Is playing the guitar a good "rest" from coding? Or does it use the same muscles?
In guitar, posture, a good drum throne (roc-soc high stool with the back) and a more ergonomic guitar (Strandberg Boden) has allowed me to play as long as I'd want to daily as opposed to slouched over in a chair or on a couch with a Les Paul (that shape further exaggerated my slouch).
Similarly, good posture, an aeron chair, a good bright monitor with a monitor arm and a splitboard (UHK) has saved me from the aches and pains. My prior setup had me seriously wondering if I needed to start seeing a specialist for occasional numbness in one of my hands.
I also play electric guitar so it's easier to play generally.