Relax The Back, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of ergonomic products to relieve and prevent back and neck pain, is holding an Ugliest Office Chair Contest, in which contestants submit photos of the ugliest chair in their office to win a Lifeform Ultimate Mid-Back Executive Office Chair, a $2495 value. The contest’s goal is to promote the benefits of good office ergonomics, which include increased productivity and greater comfort. Malibu, CA January 13, 2011

That ugly chair in your office may be worth something.

Relax The Back, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of ergonomic products to relieve and prevent back and neck pain, is holding an Ugliest Office Chair Contest, in which contestants submit photos of the ugliest chair in their office to win a Lifeform Ultimate Mid-Back Executive Office Chair, a $2495 value. The contest’s goal is to promote the benefits of good office ergonomics, which include increased productivity and greater comfort.

“Poor resting posture and inadequate office chair design contribute heavily to the epidemic-like back ailments people face every day,” said Leanne Mattes, vice president of marketing for Relax The Back. “In an ergonomic office chair like the Lifeform Ultimate Chair, your arms, posterior, and lower back are supported, so it’s easier to work longer, more-productive hours.”

Besides feeling better, ergonomically friendly chairs can provide tangible financial benefits. Back pain is the number one cause of disability for persons under age 45 and a leading contributor to missed work.

Contestants enter by posting a photo of their ugliest office chair on the company’s Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/gONGul). The winner will be announced on February 1st. The company hopes the contest will provide some laughs but also highlight the importance of good ergonomics in the work place.

“Traditional medical practice focuses on resolving current episodes of pain without focusing on the cause or prevention,” said Richard Palfreyman, the company’s CEO. “Unfortunately, this approach leads to recurring back pain, with no long-term relief. At Relax The Back, we know that our spinal health is determined by the posture that we assume 24 hours a day, every day of our lives. When a client visits a store, our back care product specialists are trained to provide a balance of back care education, empathy and products that provide proper spinal support throughout the day (and night).”

To enter the Ugliest Chair Contest, please visit Relax The Back’s Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/gONGul).

About Relax The Back

Relax The Back is North America's largest specialty retailer of ergonomic and comfort products. The company operates over 100 franchise locations throughout North America. Headquartered in Southern California, Relax The Back offers a comprehensive line of products to prevent and relieve back pain through proper spinal support and alignment including ergonomic office chairs, Tempur-Pedic mattresses and pillows, back and neck supports, massage chairs, fitness and therapy products, and Zero Gravity recliners. Information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.relaxtheback.com.

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