DEAR DR. ROACH: I am wondering if the claims of the health benefits from the manufacturers of saltwater hot tubs are factual.
My blood pressure reading was high, and it was suggested by my doctor to watch my salt intake. After reading the labels on food products, the sodium was very significant in most items. Since then, I have been able to drop it, but it is still slightly high.
I use a saltwater hot tub, and I am wondering if salt is absorbed through the skin and how much that would increase blood pressure. — D.B.
ANSWER: Many times, what seem to be health claims — whether it’s a supplement, vitamin or device — are followed by the words: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” (Sometimes, the writing is very small, but if you look for it, you’ll find it.) When you see that statement, you can be sure there is not strong evidence that there is benefit from what they are trying to sell you. However, there might still be health benefits that have not yet been proven.
In the case of hot tubs and saunas, some of the proposed subjective benefits include stress relief, muscle relaxation and pain relief. Most people who enjoy hot tubs probably get these benefits. There is weak evidence that regular hot tub use might improve diabetes control, and preliminary evidence that it might help cardiovascular health. While large studies have shown that people who use saunas or hot tubs enjoy a longer lifespan, it is not at all clear that the heat treatments are causing the observed benefits.
I can tell you that salt is not absorbed through the skin to any appreciable amount, so you need not worry about that. You’ll get far more benefit from cutting out some of the high-sodium items from your diet.
DEAR DR. Roach: I am suffering with vertigo. I went to an ENT doctor and was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. However, I have neck pain occasionally and have a hump on my neck. A friend suggested I go to a chiropractor for adjustments. Could what the chiropractor treats possibly be the cause of my vertigo issues? — M.C.
ANSWER: Meniere’s disease is a cause of vertigo (a sensation such as spinning when a person isn’t moving), along with hearing loss and tinnitus (a perceived sound such as ringing when there really isn’t any sound). Meniere’s disease is caused by buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
Spinal manipulation, such as chiropractic manipulation, has been shown to provide immediate pain relief that was superior to medications, but not as effective as home exercises. I could find no convincing evidence that any kind of spinal manipulation would be effective for Meniere’s disease, and no reason to think that it would be.
I’m not sure what you mean by a hump on your neck. We all have a prominence in the seventh cervical bone, but it’s possible you have kyphosis, which should be evaluated by your regular doctor.
Standard treatment for Meniere’s disease includes a low-sodium diet, caution with caffeine and alcohol, and vestibular rehabilitation (a series of exercises supervised by a physical or occupational therapist with special training). These have been shown to reduce the symptoms of imbalance. Some people will benefit from medication to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear, such as diuretics.
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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2022 North America Syndicate Inc.

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