I get carpel tunnel problems from using the trackpad built in to my MacBook Pro. I have yet to find a more comfortable mouse than the old Microsoft wheel mouse. But like other's have said, I think there are so many factors involved in this including individual physiology, I think you have to try different things until you find something that works for you.

But I can tell you from experience that trackpads are not a panacea for carpel tunnel and RSI problems.

Jim