The Living Stones of Death Valley episode (January 2007, link includes transcript) of the Skeptoid podcast describes the various theories, as well as probably the most plausible explanation I've heard so far. An excellent application of scientific skepticism.
The Alexander Technique teaches how to maintain the correct posture in all circumstances, including while sitting in front of a computer. There's no easy answer: it takes (at least initially) conscious effort to sit properly, and is undeniably hard work. This is the only real way to avoid long-term back problems, by unlearning all the bad habits that have been picked up over a lifetime.
It may be worth having a look at HiDownload. If seems to be able to handle pretty much any format, and scheduling is built-in. It's got a decent evaluation period; I've been using it for quite a while, but have only just purchased it. Plenty of time to at least see whether it does what you want...
Earplugs are the most obvious alternative. They come in many varieties, some of which are not noticeable by others.
Of course, what you should do is buck your workplace's conservative culture and use the headphones! Are they going to fire you if you do? And if they do, perhaps that's a sign that such a company isn't really the best place to work. After a week or two, you'll probably find others also wearing headphones, now that you've shown that it's "okay". Dare to be a little different...
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The Living Stones of Death Valley episode (January 2007, link includes transcript) of the Skeptoid podcast describes the various theories, as well as probably the most plausible explanation I've heard so far. An excellent application of scientific skepticism.
The interviewee (Dr Robert Luddig) published the article The 'skinny' on childhood obesity: how our western environment starves kids' brains in the journal Pediatric Annals (abstract here). The article provides a detailed explanation of what he is proposing, including references to the research that backs up the theory.
The Alexander Technique teaches how to maintain the correct posture in all circumstances, including while sitting in front of a computer. There's no easy answer: it takes (at least initially) conscious effort to sit properly, and is undeniably hard work. This is the only real way to avoid long-term back problems, by unlearning all the bad habits that have been picked up over a lifetime.
It may be worth having a look at HiDownload. If seems to be able to handle pretty much any format, and scheduling is built-in. It's got a decent evaluation period; I've been using it for quite a while, but have only just purchased it. Plenty of time to at least see whether it does what you want...
Earplugs are the most obvious alternative. They come in many varieties, some of which are not noticeable by others.
Of course, what you should do is buck your workplace's conservative culture and use the headphones! Are they going to fire you if you do? And if they do, perhaps that's a sign that such a company isn't really the best place to work. After a week or two, you'll probably find others also wearing headphones, now that you've shown that it's "okay". Dare to be a little different...