Hello Kevin!
Your story and symptoms sounds very similar to mine( although I haven't tried the "backwalking thing
)
Have you had any discogram taken?
I'm 24 years old and are going to have a 2-level surgery with Dr.Bertagnoli in Germany in April.
Anyway, I just wanted to welcome you to the community, it's a great place
PS: I also have problem with my cervical spine-it makes all sorts of noise. It started after I began having trouble with my back, so I guess it's related. I hate it, like it wasn't enough with the pain from the back. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be better when my back is fixed.
Best wishes
Sabrine