Diagnosis and Treatment General Measures 1. Try to have a bowel movement at about the same time each day. Allow at least 10 minutes, and don't strain. Check your stool daily for bleeding. If the stool is black, report to your doctor.
Treatment is usually unnecessary if there are no symptoms.
For mild symptoms, a change in diet and the use of stool softeners may be sufficient. For more severe symptoms, you may require bed rest, medications and surgery. To relieve mild pain and spasms, apply a heating pad to the abdomen. Surgery to remove part of the colon if diverticula become infected or bleed significantly. Stool softeners may be recommended.