NBCE Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition characterized by the displacement of one vertebra over another due to age-related changes in the spine, most commonly affecting older adults. The factors associated with this condition include age, as the degeneration of the spinal elements increases with time. Additionally, obesity can contribute to the condition by placing extra stress on the spine and its supporting structures, which can accelerate degeneration.

Male sex is generally associated with more cases of spondylolisthesis, although the occurrence is significant across both genders. Female sex, however, is less frequently highlighted as a risk factor in degenerative spondylolisthesis. While women can certainly be affected, the incidence tends to skew towards those conditions more prevalent in males, particularly when discussing degenerative changes. Therefore, female sex stands out as not being as strongly connected to the development of degenerative spondylolisthesis compared to the other factors listed. This understanding helps clarify why female sex is seen as not inherently associated with the condition when compared to age, obesity, and male sex.