There is no direct reason for stress at work to impact on the RSD. On the other hand, your RSD will increase your feelings of stress. In both cases, the fundamental problem is one of self esteem and feeling that you are understood. After the pain, the biggest problem I hear about from RSD sufferers is loneliness. This is a time when you need friends to support, endorse and encourage you. If you have a good network of friends around you, you should talk with them about how you feel and what you fear. If your friends are not up to this kind of thing (or anyway, because of your specific needs) I suggest that you join a Support Group. You will find several groups listed on the RSD Alert "Help Groups" pages.
Derrick Phillips - Editor of RSD Alert

"Emotional issues and loneliness are huge issues, and can increase duress. However, since RSD/CRPS is a nervous system as well as a neurological disorder, stress heightens the pain triggers throughout the body (the brain and the spinal cord), and is therefore a huge factor. That is why relaxation and mediation are recommended to keep stress levels down, to try and keep stress managed, continually under control, and to reduce flare ups. The connection between duress and pain physiologically is not mentioned at all in Derrick's answer, and is a key factor in the understanding of trying to control mind and body and one method of pain management for those living with RSD/CRPS. Sabrina
I value Sabrina's contribution, which balances the matter nicely. My original answer (January 2002) responded to a question phrased in terms that implied "it's all in your head" and most of you would howl in derision at that suggestion! RSD/CRPS is not triggered by the brain, but by real injuries. Incidentally, science has not yet really pinned down whether CRPS is a nervous system or a neuropathic condition... perhaps it's both, or either? I don't retract the original anwer, but emphasise the word "direct" in my first sentence. Derrick Phillips