A Two-Day Transformation: Overcoming Vertigo, Hearing Loss & Chronic Pain Through the Zone Technique
Case Report: Intensive Zone-Based Healing Protocol at R Family Chiropractic
Background: A Long Road of Misdiagnoses & Medication
Christina, a 33-year-old woman from West Monroe, LA, drove across state lines to Fort Worth, TX, for a chance at healing. Her journey began in 2021 after a life-altering car accident with a semi-truck at approximately 80mph. Though she was restrained and survived the impact, she sustained significant trauma that triggered years of suffering: vertigo, Meniere’s disease, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, systemic joint and muscle pain, and progressive hearing loss.
In the aftermath, Christina found herself bouncing from one medical provider to another. 6 different Neurologists, 6 ENTs, pain management doctors, and even physical therapists offered temporary relief or none at all. Her condition led to metabolic compromise, and a heavy dependence on medication to function. Her mobility, flexibility, sleep, and mood all declined. Even her ability to work and contribute to her household became severely limited.
One chiropractor, seeing potential beyond her stagnant trajectory, recommended Dr. Tanner Rodriguez at R Family Chiropractic for intensive Zone-based care. That chiropractor noted she had only been receiving sporadic adjustments due to scheduling limitations. Confident that a multi-day intensive in hyper focused care could change everything, he sent her to us.
Clinical Findings & Initial Impressions
During her intake, Christina identified chronic imbalances across all six Zones:
Zone 1 (Glandular): Extreme fatigue, poor memory and focus, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depressive episodes.
Zone 2 (Eliminative): Chronic sinus issues, allergies, history of ear infections, asthma, constipation, and intermittent diarrhea.
Zone 3 (Nervous): Vertigo, dizziness, ringing in ears, partial hearing loss, headaches, numbness, tingling, PMS issues.
Zone 4 (Digestive): Regular nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, and bowel irregularity.
Zone 5 (Muscular): Poor balance, TMJ dysfunction, chronic joint pain, frequent fatigue, spinal disc issues, and speech concerns.
Zone 6 (Circulatory): Brain fog, circulatory difficulties, fainting sensations, and intermittent chest tightness.
Orthopedic and Neurological Findings:
Myotomal weakness in shoulder abduction, left elbow flexion, hip flexion bilaterally, and left knee extension/flexion.
Cervical orthopedic tests (Cervical Compression, Jackson’s Compression, Maximum Foraminal Compression, Soto Hall) were all bilaterally positive, while cervical distraction brought temporary relief.
Thoracolumbar ortho test: Kemp’s bilaterally positive.
Range of Motion Restrictions:
Cervical spine: Limited and painful in all planes.
Lumbar spine: Same pattern—restricted and painful in all directions.
Palpation & Structural Findings:
Significant tenderness and palpatory edema over right C2, with muscular tension surrounding the articular pillars.
Fixation in the cervicothoracic junction, palpable tension in upper thoracic, lumbar stiffness extending into bilateral sacroiliac joints.
Additional inflammation noted around the left anterior shoulder and left anteroinferior knee, correlating with the post-traumatic surgical history.
Adjustment Protocol: Four Adjustments Over Two Days
Christina underwent a zone-intensive care plan of four specific chiropractic adjustments within 48 hours, each session beginning with Zone analysis and palpatory scan.
Day 1 – May 28, 2025
9:00 AM – Zone 2 (Eliminative):
Adjustments:
C2 right lateral toggle drop (right pisiform to right C2 articular pillar, left hand reinforcing, pure lateral vector right to left)
T3, T12, and L2 prone diversified
Response: Vertigo-free, improved hearing acuity (able to hear leaves rustling outside unaided), less joint tenderness.
5:45 PM – Zone 6 (Circulatory):
Adjustments:
C2 toggle drop (same setup)
C6 supine diversified (left posterior)
T2 and T10 prone diversified
L1 prone drop
Response: Vertigo-free, further improved hearing acuity, less joint tenderness.
Day 2 – May 29, 2025
9:00 AM – Zone 1 (Glandular):
Adjustments:
C1 supine diversified (left posterior)
C2 toggle drop
T1 and L1 prone diversified
S1 prone drop
Notes: Sleep was disrupted that night, but clinical markers (edema, tone, movement) were significantly improved.
12:00 PM – Zone 5 (Muscular):
Adjustments:
C2 toggle drop
C5 supine diversified (left posterior)
T5 and T11 prone diversified
L5 prone drop
Outcome: “The best I’ve felt in years,” Christina reported. No vertigo, minimal pain, improved range of motion, and joyful demeanor.
Miraculous Response to Care
Day 1: Vertigo ceased instantly. The somatic and emotional release during Zone analysis confirmed profound integration of nervous and emotional systems.
Day 2: By the final adjustment, Christina’s neurological symptoms had diminished so substantially that she texted later that weekend, “Day 4 of no medicine. I am forever grateful for you... I really don't know where I would be.”
Her husband, Hunter, noted, “It warms my heart to see you laughing and being yourself again. I haven’t been able to see that in so long.”
Christina even mowed the yard, something previously unimaginable.
Follow-Up & Lifestyle Guidance
Scheduled: Return for reassessment in two months.
Home Instructions: Avoid negativity, engage in life-enhancing activities, seek employment, and trust your body’s new clarity.
Clinical Strategy: Reevaluate all six Zones; perform upper cervical toggle if indicated.
Clinical Notes for Professional Peers
This case is notable for its intensive use of:
Zone Technique—used diagnostically and as a corrective roadmap.
Upper cervical toggle-recoil to C2 with unique lateral vector: patient side-lying (right side up), doctor behind patient facing headword, right pisiform contact with stabilized left hand, thrusting directly lateral.
Validating the psycho-somatic connection inherent in the body’s response to physical trauma- even in chronic scenarios.
Objective clearing of Zone tenderness post-adjustment confirmed progress and accuracy.
Final Thoughts: Hope Restored
This case affirms our core belief: You were created to heal. When the nervous system is cleared and the brain-body connection restored, miracles become mechanisms of function—not fantasy.
If you've been told "there's nothing more to do," come see us. We don’t guess. We test and adjust.
GOOGLE REVIEW from the gentle lady herself:
“Where to even begin. To start out I been struggling with Ménière’s disease for 4 years (severe vertigo) I have been to 6 different ENT’S & 6 different Nuerologist, and all they was good at is throwing medicine my way. Got tired of that, and I been seeing my normal chiro in Monroe Louisiana. My chiro here at home referred me to Dr.Tanner and his wife Dr.Heather, & Dr.Ty. When I first walked into the Rfamily Chiropractic center, instantly knew I was in good hands. They are so welcoming and so loving. To know the experience you have to go see it for yourself. On day one Dr.Tanner worked on me while having other patients. I cried to Dr.Tanner and I said I hope you will give me the relief I been looking for. As he is working on me and does the drop method on my neck it was nothing but instant relief. And for him to adjust my whole body and get it back in line was nothing but amazing. Dr.Tanner went above and beyond to make sure I had relief to travel back to Louisiana. 5.5 hours mind you. Dr. Tanner worked on me for 2 days. And when I tell people it is gone it’s gone. I am so happy haven’t been this happy in 4 years yall 4k years!!! That is along time. Dr.Tanner along side his wife Dr.Heather prayed over my body for complete healing. I started to cry. I have never had any Dr or anything do what this group of amazing human beings have done for me. I didn’t even want to leave to come back home. I wanted to be under Dr.Tanner’s care for life. If you have not checked out this place you are completely missing out. Thank you is not enough to tell you all. But thank you from the bottom of my heart. Dr.Tanner you rock and keep doing what you do best to keep your clients healed my friend. This was God’s perfect timing.
Thank you so much
Love always Christina & Hunter Mckinnie.
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Letter from her Hometown Chiropractor
“My name is Dr. Scott Martinez and I am a practicing chiropractor in Monroe, Louisiana. I graduated with Dr. Tanner from Parker University in 2015. Recently I had a patient that has been suffering from chronic vertigo episodes. This patient has been to several doctors and had a battery of exams and tests performed. I began to work on the patient for her vertigo episodes as mentioned above. As this year went on, the patient responded to the chiropractic treatment with some improvement in her vertigo episodes. Her treatment consisted of Diversified Chiropractic Adjustments of the full spine. Patient stated that even though she was improving her vertigo episodes were "coming and going" in frequency. We began to discuss, "what the next step" would be due to us being at a standstill. I mentioned to her, that a collegue of mine specialized in a technique called the "ZONE TECHNIQUE" and that he could possibly help us to get over the "hump." I explained that his name was Dr. Tanner and his office was located in Fort Worth Texas. I informed my patient that Dr. Tanner is one of the best adjusters in our profession and could possibly help her. Patient agreed to drive to 5 hours to meet with Dr. Tanner. I then called Dr. Tanner and went over the patient's history with him and he agreed to meet with her.
Dr. Tanner explained to the patient that her initial treatment would be two days. Treatment consisted of specific full spine chiropractic adjustments with the Zone technique. Patient completed her treatment plan with Dr. Tanner and returned home. Upon returning to our clinic, patient advised that she hadn't had a vertigo episode, since her treatment with Dr. Tanner. (4 days at this time with no vertigo!!). Patient stated that she is able to clean her house and even went trail riding with her husband this is something that the patient hasn't been able to due in years. Patient is currently being treated in my office on a maintenance plan of treatment. When asked how the patient is doing when she comes in for treatment, she smiles from ear to ear and says, "I'M LIVING MY BEST LIFE."
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. TANNER for his ability and confidence to deliver the specific adjustment and techniques for a life changing experience. The specific chiropractic adjustment is what makes our profession what it is and what it should be!!!!! I'm so thankful for having Dr. Tanner in or chiropractic ranks. In closing remarks, Let us as Chiropractic professionals always place the patient's well being FIRST and strive to find the best treatment that is available for them, even if it means referring the patient out!!! Love you Doc, KEEP GOD FIRST AND ELSE WILL FALL INTO PLACE.
Respectfully, Dr. Martinez.”