Dr. linville answers...follow up question: i also have cspine ddd. will this also cause small bone bumps to form near knuckles?

Not usually: Some times in arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic conditions. But at your age, that would be unlikely.

Bumps on knuckles: Heberden's nodes are genetic arthritic spurs on the distal finger joints, more common in women (look at mom, nana, or auntie's fingers). Bouchards nodes, affect the proximal knuckle (closest to the palm) and are less common. These are arthritic, but not specifically related to cervical ddd.