All stages can combine with one another though or you may never advance to another stage. The length of time given for each stage is just a benchmark as each individual can have different symptoms from different stages last for different lengths of time. This is part of what makes RSDS difficult to diagnose. In this stage there is decreased sympathetic activity. Pain is constant, as in stage one, and throbbing, burning, aching, crushing in nature and is exacerbated by any stimuli.
Nails are brittle and ridged.
Pain and stiffness persists. Muscle wasting may begin. X-Rays may reveal signs of osteoporosis. Patients may start to repeat themselves. In this stage there is increased sympathetic activity.