Unnecessary Needling: A Case of Iatrogenic Pneumothorax Following Dry Needling Procedure for Chronic Myofascial Pain

This case report highlights a complication of pneumothorax associated with dry needling (DN), a technique used for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders. Despite its growing popularity and efficacy in relieving pain, dry needling can lead to adverse events. We present a case of a 35-year-old female who developed pneumothorax following a dry needling session. During the dry needling session, the patient reported sharp pain underneath the scapula, and pneumothorax was confirmed three days later on a visit to the emergency department. Even though the chances of a pneumothorax are slim when DN is conducted over lung fields, it is essential that patients are informed of potential risks, including chest pain/tightness, fatigue, or shortness of breath during the procedure.