Hi Glenn,
I am new here, and sure am sorry to hear about your recent worsening of symptoms. I am waiting for surgery (acdf) and my symptoms are very similar. Every time i move my head, it makes a grinding sound in my head, and then pops loudly enough for my family to hear in the same room. I don't get the shooting pains anymore but when I did....it was the worst.

Hope you feel better soon!
Dave