Anyone engaged in long periods of sitting is routinely advised to stand up and stretch periodically, shift weight in the chair at least once every hour, and engage in physical activity and exercise during the off-hours. But patient education of this type isn’t really based on evidence that doing these things reduces episodes of back pain or offers preventive measures against back pain. However, until more is known about the risks of occupational-related back pain, workers who sit for prolonged periods of time are still advised to follow these steps to assure good spinal and overall health.
It might be helpful to set a timer to go off every 30 minutes. Make yourself stop whatever you are doing, stand up and do at least one of the items suggested. Even if you don’t stand up, you can raise your arms overhead, take in a deep breath and then go back to your computer activities.
It’s also a good idea to establish some form of routine (daily) activity and exercise. Join a fitness club, biking group, take tennis lessons — something that has a set time for a daily regimen of exercise. This will benefit your body, mind, and back! It will enhance your overall health as well as stimulate muscle activity to restore blood flow to the spine, arms, and legs.
It’s important to keep a balance in life — even your life on the Internet. The fact that you are aware that it has become an addiction and you are seeking some way to protect your back is a good start.