Medically reviewed by Edward Tavel, MD, Medical Director · Last reviewed 22 August 2026
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon (the large intestine). These pouches develop where the colon wall is naturally a little weaker, and over time small sections can bulge outward. Diverticulosis is very common, especially with age. Estimates suggest it is present in a large share of adults over 60, and the likelihood increases steadily as people get older. The reassuring part is that most people with diverticulosis never have any problems from it. The pouches themselves usually cause no symptoms and are frequently discovered incidentally during imaging or a colonoscopy performed for an unrelated reason.
When diverticulosis does cause noticeable symptoms, they may include mild cramping, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, though these can have many other explanations. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to relate to pressure within the colon over many years, and a low-fiber diet is considered a contributing factor — which is why fiber-rich foods are often encouraged. It is important to distinguish diverticulosis from diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is when one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected, which can cause more significant abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness, and which usually requires prompt medical evaluation. Diverticulosis is typically evaluated with colonoscopy or imaging, while suspected diverticulitis is most often assessed with a CT scan.
For diverticulitis, CT is the most common imaging choice because it shows inflammation clearly and quickly. MRI can also visualize the colon and abdomen and may identify diverticulosis, though it is not the routine first test for an acute flare. A whole-body MRI may reveal diverticulosis as an incidental finding worth noting in your health record. To learn more, see our overview of the conditions a whole-body scan can detect, read about incidental findings on an MRI, or explore the Whole Body Scan at MRI Wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Is diverticulosis dangerous?
For most people, no. Diverticulosis itself usually causes no symptoms, and the majority of people who have it never develop complications. It mainly becomes a concern if a pouch becomes inflamed, which is called diverticulitis.
What's the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis simply means the pouches are present. Diverticulitis means one or more of those pouches has become inflamed or infected, which can cause abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness and usually needs medical attention.
What foods should I avoid?
Guidance has changed over the years. A high-fiber diet is generally encouraged for colon health, and older advice to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn is no longer considered necessary for most people. Personalized dietary advice is best discussed with your doctor.
Can diverticulosis go away?
The pouches do not disappear, but diverticulosis often stays quiet and causes no trouble for a lifetime. The goal is to support colon health and reduce the chance of a pouch becoming inflamed.
How is diverticulosis found?
It is most often discovered incidentally during a colonoscopy or on imaging such as a CT scan or MRI done for another reason. Many people learn they have it only because it turned up during an unrelated test.
Sources
A whole-body MRI at MRI Wellness looks at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single session, without radiation or contrast dye. No referral is needed.
