I've got a wound through a dirty/rusty metal last year. after the healing, it turned black and keloid also appeared. I didn't able to see a doctor 'cause I thought it was just normal since I'm just 16 y/o. I didn't felt any symptoms at the first month, but after some few months, I've experienced the lockjaw and some others. But now, I didn't feel any symptoms anymore. I'm just kinda worried if I do have a tetanus. THANKS.

Tetanus occurs fairly soon after the wound is created. It has to do with the bacteria Clostridium Tetani creating a toxin that causes the symptoms of Tetany which is persistent muscle contractions all over and not necessarily in the jaw. IF you were to have gotten Tetanus, it would have occurred much sooner then now.

I don't know exactly the symptoms of it is, i know about lockjaw but nothing else. i got my shot about 2 years ago, but a few days ago i pricked myself accidentally with a rusted safety pin, and it bled but i didn't think anything of it. but now my arm in the joint of my elbow and bicep hurts extremely bad. Is this a non related pain or could it be connected?

I've had a bad head cold and my ears are clogged, but I didnt know if that could cause my jaw to bother me. Its right at the joint and Im going nuts. Im scared its lockjaw or something. Does anyone know if colds cause this much trouble. or has anyone had lock jaw and know what the symptoms are?

TMJ is right. You can either get fitted by your dentist for a pricy mouth guard ($300) or go to Walmart and buy one you fit yourself for about $20.

I had TMJ, which is a really long word for a jaw problem. You should go to a doctor to get it checked out so that you don't get lockjaw! Sometimes the joints in your jaw could hurt from a cold, but it could be many other things. I suggest going to a doctor to be safe. Lockjaw is not fun.

I think that TMJ is common in most women so I've heard usually if you go to the doctor or dentist they will either have you wear mouth guards or this nice thing that goes across u're head for a retainer like thing. as for a head cold I do think that you could have so much pressure and possibly sinusitis which is inflammation of your sinuses that it can make your jaw and even your face hurt. I know I have sinus infection once and my face hurt just where the tissue and stuff was inflammed. I've heard you can hold a hot/warm cloth on your face and it relieves some pressure. I also think something like IB profen would probly ease the pain. I hope this helps you and I hope you start feeling better.

48 hours ago, I got a slight puncture by a rusty nail. I haven't had a tetanus shot in forever. Over the past 24 hours, I've been having muscle tics…in almost every location….arch of the foot, above the knee, arms and wrists, around the lips, the jaw, the neck, etc. Are muscle tics an early symptom of lockjaw? Or am I simply deficient in a mineral or something?

If you haven't had the ticks before, then I would go to your doctor immediately and get a tetanus shot.

If you don't go and you get through it or whatever – then go and get a tetanus shot for future references. It's a horrible infection.

absolutely yeah you should go to the doctor wright now

You couldn't possibly have tetanus symptoms in such a short time. I suggest the symptoms are due to something else, but having said that, you should see a nurse/doctor and let them decide what to do. As you have not got the tetanus shot before, my guess is that they will give it to you.

Not long ago I accidentally cut myself very lightly, it's not a deep cut but lately about two or three nights in a row my jaw has been tight, and I had a couple of headaches lately too. I don't know much about lockjaw/tetanus and from what I know there are no other symptoms that would be related to it…should I see a doctor about my jaw being a bit tight, it only happens during the night time, but it is a bit tight at the moment too so I'm not sure if I am being overly worried or not?

I remember getting tetanus shots after stepping on nails that were rusted or dirty.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes painful, uncontrolled muscle spasms. because of widespread immunization, tetanus is now rare. another name for tetanus is lockjaw.

What is the infectious agent that causes tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Spores are hardy forms of the bacteria that can survive in the environment in an inactive state for a long time.

Where is tetanus found?

Tetanus occurs worldwide. Tetanus spores are found throughout the environment, usually in soil, dust, and animal waste.

How do people get tetanus?

Tetanus spores can enter the body through a wound that is contaminated with soil, dust, or animal waste. Spores can get into the body through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but they usually enter through deep puncture wounds or cuts, like those made by nails or knives. Tetanus spores can also get into the body when skin is damaged by burns or by injecting contaminated street drugs. once the spores enter a wound, they produce a powerful nerve poison that spreads through the body and causes painful symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of tetanus?

The first signs of tetanus infection are usually a headache and spasms or cramping of the jaw muscles (lockjaw). As the poison spreads, it progressively attacks more groups of muscles, causing spasms in the neck, arms, legs, and stomach, and sometimes violent convulsions (seizures).

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The time between the contamination of a wound and the first symptoms is usually less than 2 weeks but can range from 2 days to months. In general, the shorter the time between exposure and symptoms, the more severe the disease.

How is tetanus diagnosed?

Tetanus is diagnosed by its symptoms.

Who is at risk for tetanus?

In the United States, tetanus occurs mostly in newborns, children, young adults, and older adults who are either not immunized or not adequately immunized. Injecting drug users are also at risk.

What complications can result from tetanus?

In the United States, 3 of every 10 persons who get tetanus die from it. for those who survive, recovery can be long (1-2 months) and difficult. Muscle spasms usually decrease after about 2 weeks and disappear after another week or two, but the person may be weak and stiff for a long time. other complications include breathing problems, bone fractures, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, clotting in the blood vessels of the lung, pneumonia, and coma.

What is the treatment for tetanus?

Persons with tetanus usually must spend several weeks in the hospital in intensive care to manage the complications.

How common is tetanus?

Tetanus is a major problem in developing countries where immunization of children is not required or enforced. In the United States, most states require tetanus immunization for entry to school. Cases average between 50 and 100 per year, mostly in under-immunized older adults.

Is tetanus an emerging infectious disease?

No. Cases have been decreasing since the 1940s. However, getting children immunized and guaranteeing that they get the complete series of shots is still a challenge, especially among poor children and in areas of the country where under-immunization is a problem.

How can tetanus be prevented?

The most important way to prevent tetanus is through complete immunization and proper wound care.

1. Prevent tetanus through immunization — An effective vaccine against teta

clenching the jaw at night is a common problem unrelated to tetanus. If you have had regular tetanus vaccines, you are immune to tetanus. the vaccines are good for 7-10 years.

Night time jaw clenching is called sleep bruxism. This is usually treated by a dentist, or a family doctor. the usual treatment is using a silicon mouth guard that dissipates the pressure. many people can also learn to stop this on their own by catching themselves whenever the clenching wakes them up, and then relaxing the jaw.

I've been having jaw problems for the past three days. I noticed the left side of my jaw started clicking when I was talking to a friend. The next day, most of the clicking stopped and now I can't open my mouth all the way. I can chew, eat and talk fine, but I can't yawn or stretch my mouth. The problem in the left side of my mouth. it only hurts when I try to open it all the way. What could be the problem, Could it be TMJ? I don't feel much of the symptoms for TMJ. I don't think its a lockjaw because I got my tetanus shot…I think. What could it be?. I got an appointment for the doctor in three weeks. Is that too long to wait? And for a while, I've been trying to fix my jaw by moving it around and it worked for about 5 minutes…I was able to open my mouth all

Those are most generally the first symptoms of TMJ. if you try to relax the jaw by keeping your teeth ever so slightly apart you may be able to give it the rest it needs for a few days. if the symptoms become very painful or there is swelling and you cant open your mouth I would head to prompt care instead of waiting for the dr. appt.

As someone who has spent too much time in a dental chair, I can understand how frightening the uncertainty of TMJ lockjaw can be. TMJ or Temporo Mandibular Joint, often begins as something psychological that quickly deteriorates to something very physical and painful.

Most doctors and dentists will tell you that stress can cause serious damage to the body for an array of reasons, some which permeate the body even while a person is asleep. an increase in stress during the daytime translates easily to teeth grinding and clenching even while asleep. it is possible for a person to wake up with a sore jaw and also a headache. at first, a good diagnosis can be easy to miss. we write off the headache as too much tension or not enough sleep, a common problem in today’s overly scheduled and stressed environment. it is only when the condition turns into something serious like lockjaw that we sit up and look for a cure.

What Happens when You Clench your Teeth?

TMJ happens when the tendons in the jaw become overly exerted and inflamed. Lots of clenching or “biting one’s tongue,” as it were can lead to TMJ. the muscles in the jaw become extremely sore. There is also some suggestion that a misalignment can contribute to TMJ, which is quite possible. the problem really is that, once the tendon suffers inflammation, inflammation itself can cause more trouble. it is possible for something to be inflamed for so long that healing is impeded. the body becomes so accustomed to the inflammation that the condition itself worsens. It’s as if we’re under tension, our jaw throbs with pain, causing more stress and tension, causing more pain.

According to PhysOrg.com, a leading organization on scientific and medical news, “Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process”. Inflammation in itself is a normal response that signals the beginning of the healing process. however, when the body has been under that stress for too long, it impedes the healing process because it changes the cells that are present at the site of the inflammation.

Connection between TMJ and Lockjaw

What does this have to do with TMJ lockjaw? quite simple. the jaw has been inflamed and in pain for an extended period of time. In response, it becomes so aggravated and inflamed that it seems at one point to lock in place, disabling the person to open or shut his mouth. it seems, quite literally to lock up. as muscles are connected rather than isolated, this can lead to a whole host of related pain, including excruciating headaches, pain that radiates through the neck or even the tops of the shoulders.

There is, of course, a way to deal with the pain of TMJ lockjaw, but for relief to be long-lasting, one needs to deal with all the causes of TMJ. yes, taking an anti-inflammatory or its naturopathic counterpart, something like Inflameric, is a good first step, but it should not be the only part of the resolution. Treating the inflammation is good, but treating the real, underlying cause that created the problem is even better.

There is a saying, “He who does not make time for recreation will be forced to take time for illness.” Remember to address the stress and tension that led to the TMJ in the first place if you want to prevent it from returning. One effective way to relieve TMJ lockjaw is to perform daily exercises that can drastically help relax your jaw. Click here to find out more.