Reflex Sympathetic Dystophy (RSD) actually started to be called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) some years back. Compared to what your mom is going through, the words don't really matter though. Typically, the diagnosis of RSD/CRPS means that there has been an alteration in the normal pain responses. Imagine that the pain system in your body is like an alarm system. During normal circumstances, like light touch, the alarm does not go off. But, then something happens, like a surgery, all the sudden the alarm system becomes too sensitive and signals a painful alert even with a light breeze. Talk about faulty wiring.   Normally, the pain from a overly sensitive nervous system is unrelenting. This type of pain does not quit if the limb is held in a certain position. So, I am not convinced that your mom has RSD, CRPS or a sensitized nervous system. Pain that is relieved mechanically is due to a mechanical problem, not faulty wiring. Maybe the nerve is pinched or maybe the artery is blocked. Mechanical problems can be fixed. More tests need to be done because CRPS is a diagnosis of exclusion ( everything else is excluded first, before being thrown in the waste basket of CRPS).   Seeing a neurolgist is a great first step. Keep supporting you mom like you are and the two of you can continuing walking towards a solution. Dr. Christina Lasich, MD