Treatment of osteochondrosis by the method of Bubnovsky in our centre: without surgery and drugs. We eliminate pain, restore mobility of the spine, strengthen the muscle corset. Individual approach, proven effectiveness. Sign up for a consultation!
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine according to the Bubnovsky method¶
What are osteochondrosis and what diseases are hidden under this name?¶
Osteochondrosis is an outdated term, which in modern medicine is often replaced by more accurate diagnoses. Under this name can hide various degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine, associated with disruption of the structure of intervertebral discs, joints and ligamentous apparatus.
Factual spinal conditions called ‘osteochondrosis ’¶
- Dorsopathy is a generalised name for back pain that includes:
- Degeneration of the intervertebral discs (spondylosis).
- Protrusions and herniated discs (Schmorl's hernia, extrusion).
- Osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints (spondyloarthritis).
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) - wear and dehydration of the intervertebral discs leading to decreased cushioning.
- Myofascial pain syndrome - spasm of the back muscles causing pain without structural changes in the spine.
- Spinal canal stenosis - narrowing of the canal due to overgrowth of bony structures, resulting in compression of nerves.
- Radiculopathy (radicular syndrome) - compression of nerve roots by herniated discs or osteophytes.
Why is the term ‘osteochondrosis’ inaccurate?¶
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) uses specific diagnoses instead of ‘osteochondrosis’ because the term does not reflect the true cause of the pain.
For example:
- Cervical - more commonly cervicalgia, sciatica, C5-C6 herniation.
- Lumbar - lumbago, sciatica, L4-L5 herniation.
On a side note
Osteochondrosis is not a diagnosis, but a collective name for various spinal problems. For effective treatment using the Bubnovsky method, it is important to determine the exact cause of pain (hernia, muscle spasm, joint arthrosis) and select individualised exercises.
How an accurate diagnosis of ‘osteochondrosis’ of the spine helps to create a correct individual recovery programme using the Bubnovsky method¶
The Bubnovsky method is based on the principle of ‘movement therapy’ (kinesitherapy), but its effectiveness depends directly on the exact diagnosis. Different pathologies of the spine require different approaches in the selection of exercises, their intensity and sequence.
1. Intervertebral disc herniation (lumbar/cervical)¶
Physiology of the pathological process¶
When a herniated disc occurs:
- Hollowing of the pulposus nucleus through the damaged fibrous ring → mechanical compression:
- Nerve roots → radiculopathy (acute pain along the nerve).
- Vascular → microcirculatory disturbance → tissue oedema and ischaemia.
- Reflex muscle spasm → increased compression and formation of a ‘vicious circle of pain’.
How does the Bubnovsky Method affect these processes?¶
Step 1: Decompression and reduction of oedema (first 2-4 weeks)
- Hanging on the bar (for the lumbar region):
- Creates traction → increases intervertebral space by 1-3 mm.
- Reduces pressure on nerve roots by 30-40%.
- Upper/lower block pulls (for cervical):
- Improves venous outflow → reduces oedema around the hernia.
- Activates the rhomboid and trapezius muscles → relieves stress on the spine.
- Physiological effect:
- Reduction of pain syndrome by reducing pressure on nociceptors.
- Restoration of diffuse disc nutrition (in the absence of load).
Step 2: Strengthening of deep muscles (after acute pain relief)
- Hyperextension on an incline bench:
- Stressing the multidivision muscles → stabilising the vertebrae.
- Improving proprioception → relapse prevention.
- Cat exercise:
- Dynamic flexion/extension change → restoring disc mobility.
- Stimulation of synovial fluid production in facet joints.
- Physiological effect:
- Formation of ‘muscular corset’ → redistribution of load from discs to muscles.
- Acceleration of fibrotic ring regeneration due to increased blood flow.
Prohibited Techniques and Why¶
- Harsh twisting:
- Can cause hernia displacement → cauda equina impingement (dangerous with paresis).
- Axial loads (squats, deadlifts):
- Increase intradiscal pressure by up to 200% → risk of increasing protrusion.
Additional methods to enhance the effect¶
- Cryotherapy (sauna + cold water):
- Reduces inflammation by vasoconstriction → reduction of oedema.
- Diaphragmatic breathing:
- Reduces intra-abdominal pressure → lumbar unloading.
Recovery Prognosis¶
- For hernias up to 5 mm: complete elimination of symptoms in 3-6 months.
- For sequestered hernias: combination with physiotherapy is required.
Key Principle
Gradual increase of the load only after the oedema has resolved!
2. Spondyloarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the facet joints)¶
Physiology of the degenerative process¶
In spondyloarthritis, the following occur:
- Degeneration of articular cartilage:
- Thinning of hyaline cartilage → reduced cushioning
- Formation of osteophytes → mechanical limitation of mobility.
- Inflammation of synovial membrane:
- Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Reduction of synovial fluid volume
- Reflex muscle hypertonicity:
- Spasm of deep back muscles → increased joint compression
Mechanisms of recovery according to Bubnovsky¶
1. Mobilisation of joints (main stage)
- Snake exercise:
- Wavy movements of the spine
- Increase of inter-articular gaps by 0.5-1.2 mm
- Stimulation of synovial fluid production
- "Boat ’:
- Simultaneous lifting of arms and legs in supine position
- Strengthening of paravertebral muscles without axial loading
- Improving proprioception
Physiological effects:
- Increase in movement amplitude by 25-40%
- Reduction of pain syndrome due to decompression of nerve endings
- Slowing the progression of osteoarthritis
2. Anti-inflammatory therapy
- Cryotherapy (3-5 minutes of cold after exertion):
- Vasoconstriction → reduction of exudation
- Reduction of inflammatory mediators
- Hydromassage:
- Improving microcirculation in periarticular tissues
3. Additional methods.
- Postisometric relaxation:
- Relieving muscle spasm
- Restore normal tone
- Breathing exercises:
- Reducing intrathoracic pressure
- Mobilisation of the rib-vertebral joints
Prohibited Techniques¶
- Rotational movements with weights:
- Increase friction in injured joints
- Heavy bending with weight:
- May provoke joint blockage
Prognosis of recovery¶
- Stage I-II: Full recovery of mobility in 4-6 months.
- Stage III: 60-80% reduction of pain syndrome
Key principles
- Regularity of exercise (3-4 times a week)
- Gradual increase in amplitude
- Combination with anti-inflammatory therapy
3. Vertebral canal stenosis¶
Physiology of the pathological process¶
In stenosis, the following occur:
- Mechanical compression of neurovascular structures:
- Reduction of the sagittal dimension of the canal to <10 mm (normal 15-25 mm)
- Disruption of blood supply to the spinal cord (cauda equina ischaemia).
- Venous stasis:
- Compression of epidural veins → increased pressure in the spinal canal
- Nerve root oedema
- Neurogenic intermittent claudication:
- Ischaemia of nerve roots during vertical load → ‘window’ symptom
Bubnovsky Recovery Mechanisms¶
1. Decompression exercises (main stage)
- ‘Bicycle’ in the supine position:
- Improvement of venous outflow due to the work of the musculo-venous pump
- Increase the space in the intervertebral foramen by 12-15%
- Stimulation of collateral circulation
- Elastic band leg raises:
- Safe strengthening of the iliopsoas muscle
- Supports physiological lordosis
- Increasing the distance between the spinous processes
Physiological effects:
- Increase in walking tolerance by 50-70%
- Improvement of microcirculation in radicular arteries
- Reduction of epidural pressure
2. Special Techniques
- Antigravity positions:
- Knee-locked position exercises → unloading of the spine
- Reduction of compression by 30-40%.
- Diaphragmatic breathing:
- Normalisation of intra-abdominal pressure
- Improved liquor dynamics
Prohibited Techniques¶
- Axial loads: Increase compression of the dural sac
- Deep flexion: May cause impingement of hypertrophic yellow ligaments
- Rotational movements: Provoke dynamic stenosis
Prognosis of recovery¶
- Compensated stage: improvement in 3-4 months
- Decompensated form: requires combination with physiotherapy.
Key principles
- Gradual increase of exercise time
- Control of neurological symptoms
- Prioritise exercise in unloading positions
Additional Methods¶
- Cryocompression (cold+pressure): Reduction of epidural oedema
- Traction therapy: Course application under MRI monitoring
4. Myofascial syndrome (muscle spasm)¶
Physiology of the pathological process¶
- Trigger Point Formation:
- Localised muscle thickenings 2-5 mm in diameter
- Areas of hyperexcitability with impaired microcirculation
- Accumulation of pain mediators (bradykinin, substance P).
- Pathological reflex arc:
- Spasm → ischaemia → pain → increased spasm
- Formation of reflected pain by Zakharyin-Ged zones
- Repiratory disturbances:
- Restriction of chest excursion by 20-30%
- Reduction of vital capacity of lungs
Mechanisms of recovery according to Bubnovsky.¶
1. Postisometric relaxation (PIR).
- Physiological mechanism:
- Activation of inhibitory influences from Golgi tendon organs
- Normalisation of the calcium pump in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Performance technique:
- Passive stretching → isometric tension (30% of maximum) → relaxation → deepening of the stretch
- Cycle: 3-5 repetitions of 7-10 seconds each
2. Special Exercises.
- ‘Angel’ on the wall:
- Restore tonus of the rhomboid and anterior serratus muscles
- Improving scapula glide on the rib cage
- Normalise posture
- Rubber Stretching:
- Dosed load (20-30% of maximum resistance)
- Activation of slow muscle fibres (type I)
3. Thermal Contrast Therapy.
- Sauna (60-70°C, 5-7 min):
- Increase blood flow by 3-4 times
- Lactic acid flushing
- Cold (10-15°C, 1-2 min):
- Reduction of pain receptor activity
- Reduction of spasm by 40-60%
Physiological effects¶
- Reduction of active trigger points by 70-80%
- Restoration of normal breathing pattern
- Increase in amplitude of movements in affected segments.
Prohibited Techniques¶
- Deep trigger point massage: May increase inflammatory response
- Silent exercise through pain: Risk of exacerbating muscle imbalances
- Static Exercise: Maintenance of pathological movement patterns
Recovery Prognosis¶
- Acute: 5-7 sessions
- Chronic case: 3-4 weeks of regular sessions
Key Principles
- Gradual increase in amplitude
- Combination with breathing practices
- Control of muscle tone symmetry
Additional Techniques.¶
- Myofascial Release: Using rolls for self-exposure
- Biological feedback: Controlling the degree of muscle tension
5. Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)¶
Physiology of the pathological process¶
- Biomechanical changes:
- Tri-planar deformity (frontal, sagittal, horizontal)
- Formation of primary and compensatory arches (up to 20-40° according to Cobb)
- Asymmetrical load on intervertebral discs (pressure difference up to 300%).
- Muscle imbalance:
- Hypertonicity on the concave side (shortening)
- Hypotonia on the convex side (stretching).
- Autochthonous muscle dysfunction.
- Visceral Consequences:
- Reduction in vital capacity of the lungs by 15-30%
- Displacement of the heart and large vessels
- Gastrointestinal motility disorder
Bubnovsky correction mechanisms.¶
1. Asymmetrical exercises
- One arm upper block pull (for thoracic scoliosis):
- Selective loading on the broadest muscle of the convex side
- Correction of rib hump through metered resistance
- Tonus normalisation: 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
- ‘Scissors’ on the side (for lumbar scoliosis):
- Activation of the oblique abdominal muscles on the concave side
- Stabilisation of the pelvis in the horizontal plane
- Optimal leg flexion angle 30-45°
Physiological effects:
- Reduction of curvature angle by 5-15° in 6 months
- Equalisation of muscle tone (EMG confirmation)
- Improvement of spirometry values by 20-25%
2. Breathing Practices.
- Diaphragmatic-Rebreathing:
- Increasing chest excursion on the concave side
- Activation of intercostal muscles (3-5 seconds on the inhalation)
- Asymmetrical breathing:
- Emphasis on breathing into the ‘sunken’ side of the rib cage
Prohibited Techniques¶
- Axial loads with weight: Increase torsional deformities
- Symmetrical strength exercises: Exacerbate muscle imbalances
- Passive traction: May cause spinal instability
Prognosis of correction¶
- Grade I-II (up to 25°): significant improvement in 4-6 months.
- III degree: stabilisation of the process, prevention of progression
Key principles
- individual selection of exercises according to the type of scoliosis
- Gradual increase in difficulty (from unloading positions)
- Monitoring of dynamics (photo-comparison, topographic survey)
Additional methods¶
- Cinesiotaping: Muscle balance correction (24-48 hours of wear)
- Proprioceptive Training: Improving neuromuscular control
- Aquatherapy: Reduction of gravity load
Important
Proven effective with regular exercise 3-4 times a week with specialist supervision.
Physiology of stage rehabilitation of osteochondrosis according to Bubnovsky¶
1. Preparatory stage (2-4 weeks)¶
At the first stage of osteochondrosis treatment according to the Bubnovsky method, which lasts 2-4 weeks, a number of important physiological changes take place. The main task of this period is to switch the pathological motor stereotype, which was formed in the patient due to chronic pain. At the same time we work on activation of diaphragmatic breathing, as in osteochondrosis the normal breathing pattern is often disturbed due to muscle clamps. Equally important is the reduction of pain impulsion, which is achieved through special exercises.
This time frame should not be shortened for several reasons.
- First, it takes a minimum of 21-28 days for neuromuscular connections to remodel - this is due to the muscle protein renewal cycle.
- Second, prematurely increasing the load will only exacerbate existing muscle imbalances.
- Thirdly, if the muscle spasm is not completely relieved, it is almost guaranteed to lead to a recurrence of the pain syndrome.
At this time, the body is restoring microcirculation in those muscles that were in a state of chronic spasm. Gradually normalises proprioceptive sensitivity - the ability of the body to adequately perceive its position in space. Vegetative regulation is also stabilised, which is often disturbed in prolonged pain syndrome.
All these changes create the necessary basis for moving on to the next stage of treatment.
2. Main stage (3-6 months)¶
The main stage of osteochondrosis treatment according to the Bubnovsky method lasts from 3 to 6 months and represents a period of active recovery.
At this time, deep physiological changes occur in the body: muscle fibres begin to remodel, increasing in diameter by 15-20%, which is essential for creating a reliable muscle corset.
In parallel, new, correct motor stereotypes are formed, which gradually replace pathological movement patterns formed during the disease. At the same time there is a gradual correction of the biomechanics of the spine - restoring its natural position and mobility.
The timing of this stage should not be shortened for several reasons.
- Firstly, the process of renewal of collagen structures in ligaments and intervertebral discs takes from 90 to 180 days - this is a biologically programmed period that cannot be accelerated.
- Secondly, premature completion of the stage, when the muscle corset is not yet properly formed, will lead to the fact that the achieved correction will simply not hold.
- Thirdly, there is a real risk of developing ‘false compensation’, when outwardly it seems that the problem has been solved, but inside there are still pathological tensions, which are bound to manifest themselves in a relapse.
Three critical processes are particularly important during this period.
- The first is redistribution of load on the intervertebral discs, which begin to receive uniform, physiological pressure instead of pathological overload.
- The second is adaptation of the tendon and ligament apparatus, which gradually adjusts to the new working conditions.
- And the third, perhaps the most important, is the restoration of symmetry in the tone of deep muscles, which are the main stabilisers of the spine.
It is these underlying changes that ensure long-term treatment results, preventing the disease from returning.
3. Supportive stage (from 6 months)¶
The supporting stage of osteochondrosis treatment according to the Bubnovsky method begins after 6 months of therapy and continues indefinitely, becoming a way of life.
At this stage, all the results achieved are consolidated - the body consolidates new, healthy movement patterns. At the same time, the most important prevention of age-related degenerative changes in the spine, which inevitably develop without proper support, takes place.
Of particular importance is the maintenance of neuromuscular control - the delicate coordination between the nervous system and muscles that ensures the correct position of the spine during all movements.
It is extremely dangerous to stop exercising at this stage. Already in 2-3 months without regular exercise, the muscle balance starts to regress rapidly - muscle strength and tone return to the previous, pathological state.
Along with this inevitably occurs a return to the old, incorrect stereotypes of movement, which for years of illness deeply rooted in the nervous system.
Such interruptions are especially dangerous for patients over 25 years of age - at this age, the natural aging processes of the spine begin, and without support, degenerative changes progress especially quickly.
The key mechanisms of this stage are three critical processes.
- Firstly, maintaining optimal muscle tone - the very balance between different muscle groups that protects the spine from overload.
- Secondly, gradual adaptation to everyday loads - the organism learns to distribute its strength correctly when performing everyday activities.
- And most importantly - the formation of ‘muscle memory’, when the correct movements become automatic and do not require conscious control. It is this ‘memory’ that later protects the spine from recurrences of the disease, even with temporary breaks in exercise.
Why strict adherence to timelines is essential in the treatment of osteochondrosis¶
- For connective tissue:
- Complete collagen renewal takes 6-12 months to complete
- Premature stress → micro tears in fibres
- For the nervous system:
- Formation of new neural connections takes 3-6 months
- Early transition to complex exercises → reflex spasm.
- For bone structures:
- Remodelling of vertebral bodies - 1 year onwards
- Accelerated loads → risk of asymmetrical growth
Important
Each stage creates the physiological basis for the next. Skipping any period = building a house without a foundation.
Get rid of back pain once and for all!¶
In our osteochondrosis treatment centre we offer Dr. Bubnovsky's unique methodology, which: - Without drugs and surgery eliminates the cause of pain - Restores mobility of the spine - Prevents relapses by strengthening the muscular corset.
We can help with:¶
- Acute and chronic pain in the neck, lower back, thoracic region
- Herniation and protrusion of intervertebral discs
- Limitation of movement, stiffness, numbness of the extremities
- Headaches associated with cervical osteochondrosis.
Why choose us?¶
- ✅ Individual approach - the treatment programme is drawn up after accurate diagnosis
- ✅ Natural recovery - due to the hidden reserves of the body
- ✅ Long-term results - we teach you how to move properly so that the pain does not return.
Get back the joy of movement without pain!