Can tetanus cause back pain?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on April 28, 2025
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Tetanus attacks can cause back pain. The main symptoms of tetanus are convulsions, impaired consciousness, and frothing at the mouth. If the attacks continue, not only will there be back pain, but also pain in the limbs, and severe cases may lead to fractures. Therefore, when tetanus occurs, the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment. Sedatives should be administered, and if necessary, anesthesia should be used to control the symptoms and reduce complications. Attention should also be paid to keeping the airway clear to minimize the occurrence of asphyxiation. If necessary, tracheal intubation and ventilator treatment should be applied.

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How long can a tetanus shot last?

The duration of a tetanus shot can be considered from two different immunization processes. In the case of passive immunity, it typically lasts for a shorter duration. If tetanus antitoxin is administered, it generally lasts between two to four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the level of antibodies gradually decreases, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single use of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide lasting immunity. The second method is what we commonly refer to as getting a tetanus vaccine, which is a process of active immunity. Usually, for active immunity, the tetanus bacterium is processed and made into a weakened vaccine for injection. Antibodies can be produced after about ten days, and within two to three months, the level of antibodies in the body gradually increases and remains at a high titer, providing immunity for up to about ten years.

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What should I do if I am allergic to tetanus?

Mild symptoms of tetanus allergy mainly manifest as skin redness, itching, and the appearance of rashes, some of which occur a few days after the tetanus injection, with redness and itching at the injection site or the appearance of some rashes. Severe tetanus allergies can cause chest tightness, irritability, pale complexion, profuse sweating, low blood pressure, and slow pulse. In severe cases, it can lead to cessation of heartbeat and breathing. Once an allergic reaction to tetanus occurs, the injection of tetanus should be immediately discontinued, a venous pathway should be established, and aggressive treatment with adrenaline, dexamethasone, and calcium agents should be administered for the allergy.

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Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

After receiving a tetanus vaccine, it is not recommended to drink alcohol. It is best to avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. Usually, when patients are injured, they may need to receive a tetanus vaccine. Especially when injured by rusty metal, the tetanus vaccine can effectively prevent tetanus. However, drinking alcohol at the same time as receiving the tetanus vaccine can easily lead to a drug reaction, causing adverse reactions. For example, increased heart rate, dizziness, palpitations, vomiting, and even shock, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Furthermore, drinking alcohol is also detrimental to the healing of wounds. Depending on the recovery of the body, patients can generally drink a small amount of alcohol after a week.

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How deep does a wound have to be to cause tetanus?

There is no specific rule about how deep a wound needs to be to develop tetanus. Generally, any relatively contaminated wound that is sharp and deep should receive a prompt tetanus injection, as tetanus is a strictly anaerobic bacterium. Generally, if a wound is particularly prone to forming a locally hypoxic environment, active immunization should be pursued. Usually, the following types of wounds should be given high attention: deep puncture wounds, bullet or shrapnel injuries, open fractures, or crush injuries. Burns, frostbites that require surgical intervention, and wounds that have not been treated in a timely manner after more than six hours should also be taken seriously. Attention should be heightened if there are foreign objects in the wound or a significant amount of necrotic tissue, especially if contaminated by surrounding dust or animal feces.

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When to get a tetanus shot

A tetanus shot is generally recommended to be administered immediately after an injury for the best efficacy. If given within 12 or 24 hours, it still provides certain preventive effects. The tetanus shot mainly consists of tetanus antitoxin and represents passive immunization. It is usually advised in cases of deep wounds with small surface areas that can create anaerobic conditions inside. If tetanus bacillus is present in the wound and proliferates massively under anaerobic conditions, the patient may exhibit symptoms such as opisthotonos, asphyxiation, or even death. Therefore, it is necessary to administer tetanus antitoxin for prevention.