Which of the following is considered a rare side effect of dry needling?

Pneumothorax is recognized as a rare side effect of dry needling because it involves the puncturing of the pleural cavity, which can occur if the needle is inadvertently inserted too deeply into the thoracic region. This is particularly a concern when treating areas around the upper back and shoulder regions where the lungs are located. The anatomical proximity of the lung to certain trigger points makes this complication a significant risk, albeit infrequent, especially when practitioners are not adequately trained or attentive to proper technique and safety protocols.

In contrast, nausea, drowsiness, and fatigue are more common experiences that patients might have following a dry needling session. Nausea can result from various factors, including muscle twitch responses or anxiety about the procedure. Drowsiness may occur as a reaction to the therapeutic effects or as a result of relaxation during treatment. Fatigue can also be a normal response as muscles and tissues react to the needling process, similar to how one might feel post-exercise. These effects are generally mild and transient, making them much more frequent compared to the rare and more severe risk of pneumothorax.