What is RSD? Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome is a “chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems."   The syndrome is very complex and is believed, according to MedicineNet, to involve "irritation and abnormal excitation of nervous tissue, leading to abnormal impulses along nerves that affect blood vessels and skin."  Eventually, practitioners in workers’ compensation law will encounter this complex and unusual medical condition. I found that the following web pages were helpful in understanding this syndrome:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/rsd/a/rsd.htm

http://www.neurologychannel.com/rsd/

http://www.rsdfoundation.org/