How concerned should I be of chronic cervical/thoracic verterbral pain at age 21?

I am only 21 and I have had very, sometimes unbearably, painful back pain in the region of cervical and thoracic transition in my spine. It feels like the space is too tight or something, and that there is a lot of inflammation. It also crackles frequently in every direction I move and it is worse at night when I try to lay down. Honestly, it sounds like rice krispies and its pretty disgusting, unnatural sounding almost. Should I be concerned since I am so young? It really is chronic, but everyone tells me that I am too young to have a real health concern regarding this matter. Anyone know anything about it? Should I spend the money on a chiropractor? I am kind of skeptical about them to begin with!!!