The continuous evolution of the human civilization has enabled us to exert the minimal amount of effort in going through our daily chores. Whatever industry we may be in, there is a computer waiting for us, to do our bidding with a stroke of a key and click of the mouse. From start-up companies to fulfilled corporations, majority of offices in the world have at least one of these electronic brains. Without a doubt, computers have become indispensable for mankind.

Unfortunately, a breakthrough comes with a drawback. Repetitive use of these machines can cause various disorders in our body. Among the ordinary discomforts that computer users get are the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), and shoulders and back aches. CTS is a painful condition caused by increased pressure on specific nerves of the wrist. Repeated hand movements cause inflammation of the wrist nerves. Even a little pressure on this area will cause discomfort.

For computer users, standard straight keyboards increase the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome, as the user is forced to adjust the angle of his hands and wrists to adjust to the layout of the keys. Additionally, the straight layout of the keys and flatness of the keyboard force the user's arm and wrist to be in awkward position, increasing the risks of shoulder and back pains.

Many therapists advise the use of ergonomic keyboards, which are curved in shape, adapting to the normal angle of the hands and wrists. The letter keys on an ergonomic keyboard are angled as well, so the user can relax his wrists without decreasing his typing speed. The elevated angle of the keyboard itself enables the user to work while maintaining the natural position of the arms and wrists.

The design of ergonomic keyboards is based on the physiological structure of the wrists and hands. These keyboards are perfect for relieving typing-caused pains. Other variations of the ergonomic keyboards can be found in any computer parts shop.

The split-type keyboard is among the widely-used ergonomic keyboards in the world. It is split in the middle to set up the angular and curved shape of the tool. This broader angle of the tool puts the hands and the wrists in the most comfortable position while typing.

Other types commonly found in computer shops are the touchpad and trackball keyboards. These keyboards are basically just like a standard keyboard with the addition of a built-in touchpad and trackball, respectively. Point and click tasks are made easier by these keyboards because they let the users work without his hands leaving the keyboard.

We have nothing to worry about new technology bringing physical disorders. Eventually, we can always expect that any discomfort brought about by progress will be address by the same technology that has always discovered means of proving more convenience than aggravation.