Hello! In 2005 I developed what was believed to be tendonitis of my left arm, mainly focused near the wrist. I believed at the time that my violin playing was the cause, as the pain was the worst when I would practice my instrument. I stopped playing the violin, to give my tendon time to heal. I was diagnosed with the tendonitis by a specialist, who suggested physical therapy. After two months without improvement, I stopped the therapy. Four years have passed, and this supposed tendonitis has spread throughout my left side. In addition to my left wrist area, I now feel pain in my fingers, elbow, shoulder, neck, jaw, teeth and ear, as well as my ribs, hip, knee and ankle areas. All the pain in these locations is only on the left side of my body.
I can get very short-term relief by "popping" any of the joints near the previously mentioned affected areas.
My question is, how could this tendonitis spread? Can tendonitis do this? If not, then what is affecting me? Could this be nerve, vein, or ligament damage? How could any of these types of pain be able to spread? Why does popping the joints cause (albeit minor) relief?
Any sort of feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!