12/19/2025
When pain relief goes wrong — a reminder about risk, evidence, and best practice.
Recent news reported a serious complication following dry needling, resulting in a partially collapsed lung. While this outcome is rare, it’s a sobering reminder that any invasive procedure — even minimally invasive ones — carries risk, especially when performed near the chest or lungs.
To be clear:
Dry needling can be helpful for certain patients when performed by appropriately trained clinicians and used for the right indications. Many people benefit without complications.
That said, clinical guidelines for low back pain are clear:
✅ Exercise-based physical therapy
✅ Education and movement retraining
✅ Gradual return to activity
These are consistently recommended as first-line treatment because they:
• Improve pain and function
• Address the root cause (strength, mobility, motor control)
• Carry significantly lower risk than invasive techniques
• Produce durable, long-term results
Passive or invasive techniques may have a role — but they should complement, not replace, an active, evidence-based rehab plan.
💡 Bottom line:
If you’re dealing with low back pain, start with treatments that are supported by strong evidence and the lowest risk profile. More aggressive interventions should be carefully weighed — not rushed into.
Your body deserves care that’s effective and safe.
