The Office Slump: Time at the Computer Hurts More Than Your Eyes

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--People today are so busy they rarely have time to take care of themselves at work. In fact, it’s a real pain in the neck to even pack lunch, much less pack a healthy one.

“If you feel uncomfortable or that you’re sitting awkwardly, you are, and that can cause problems in the future.”

But, what many people don’t realize is their time at work can actually be harmful to their physical health.

“We spend more time at work, hunched over a computer, than ever before, and while we may think it’s best to stay seated and work for extended periods, in reality, it’s not healthy at all,” said Dr. Moacir Schnapp, neurologist, pain management specialist and developer of the iPosture. “The occurrence of lower back, shoulder and neck pain is directly influenced by posture, and oftentimes, our posture at work is worse than it is at home.”

In his 30-plus years of practice, Schnapp has seen the effects long-term poor posture can have on patients but found it difficult to get patients to take the time to improve their posture.

To address this, Schnapp developed the iPosture to serve as a personal posture coach that people can use during everyday activities. The iPosture, which is barely 1 inch in diameter, uses nanosensor technology to learn a user’s correct posture, sense when the user slouches and signal with a gentle vibration to correct his or her posture. It can be used while sitting or standing.

Aside from using the iPosture, Schnapp says there are other simple things we all can do to improve posture and ease physical strain while at work:

• Get up and move every 30-45 minutes.
• Sit with both feet flat on the floor, knees at 90-degree angles, and shoulders relaxed.
• Adjust your chair height so the computer is at eye level.
• Arms should rest comfortably, bent no more than 90 degrees.
• Sit with the small of your back touching the chair.
• Stretch throughout the day. For example, pull your shoulder blades together for a few seconds and relax, repeating 10-20 times.

“The most important thing you can do is be mindful of your posture throughout the day; make a point to check and correct yourself,” Schnapp said. “If you feel uncomfortable or that you’re sitting awkwardly, you are, and that can cause problems in the future.”

The iPosture is available at www.iPosture.com ($64.95).

Dr. Schnapp is available for interviews about the iPosture and posture improvement. iPosture samples and images also are available to the news media. Contact Jessica Neal at Obsidian Public Relations, [phone] or [e-mail], for more information.

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