Mobility Issues in Mexican and Mexican Americans and Solutions

Musculoskeletal Mobility Problems in Mexican and Mexican American Communities: What’s Common, Why It Happens, and How Integrative NP + Chiropractic Care Can Help

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems involve the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues. When MSK problems persist, they can reduce mobility—making it harder to walk, work, lift, kneel, climb stairs, or even sleep comfortably.

Across Mexican and Mexican American communities, several mobility problems show up again and again. The most common include:

• Arthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis

• Chronic low back pain

• Work-related overuse injuries (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles/feet)

• Tendon problems, like rotator cuff injuries and epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)

• Mobility decline in older adults, sometimes tied to pain, disability, and frailty risk

Research also shows that these issues can be shaped by physically demanding jobs, obesity and metabolic risk, and unequal access to care—especially for prevention and early treatment. In this article, we’ll break down what’s most common, why it happens, and how nurse practitioners (NPs) and integrative chiropractic care can work together in a culturally respectful way to support better movement and function.

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Why Mobility Issues Can Hit Hard in These Communities

Mobility problems are not just “aches and pains.” They affect daily life and independence. Pain can also trigger a “downward spiral”:

• Pain → less movement

• Less movement → weakness and stiffness

• Weakness/stiffness → more pain and higher injury risk

• More pain → more disability

In Mexico, the overall burden of musculoskeletal disorders has risen over time. A national analysis found musculoskeletal disorders were a leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs), increasing substantially from 1990 to 2021, with low back pain a top driver and osteoarthritis showing a major increase. (Clark et al., 2023, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38386887/)

For Mexican American older adults, pain can also increase the risk of frailty. NIH-funded research found that older Mexican Americans with pain were 1.7 times more likely to become frail over time. (NIH, 2019, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/older-mexican-american-adults-experiencing-pain-are-risk-developing-frailty)

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Common Musculoskeletal Mobility Issues

Knee Osteoarthritis and Other Arthritis Patterns

Osteoarthritis (OA) is “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and sometimes the feet/ankles. Knee OA can make it hard to:

• Walk long distances

• Climb stairs

• Squat or kneel (very common in many jobs)

• Stand for long periods

A UTMB-led report on research using the Mexican Health and Aging Study noted osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in Mexico and cited an estimated prevalence of around 20–25% among adults aged 40+, with risk shaped by obesity and physically demanding work histories. (UTMB, 2025, https://www.utmb.edu/spph/about-us/news/article/news/2025/05/12/arthritis-hospitalization-risk-mexico-utmb-study)

That same UTMB summary highlighted that arthritis is linked to higher odds of hospitalization, especially when it limits daily activities. (UTMB, 2025, https://www.utmb.edu/spph/about-us/news/article/news/2025/05/12/arthritis-hospitalization-risk-mexico-utmb-study)

The Arthritis Foundation also provides practical guidance for arthritis self-care, including movement, weight management, and non-drug strategies. (Arthritis Foundation, n.d., https://www.arthritis.org/getmedia/1ad1c86d-79ac-4f82-ba93-9942dd7da93a/Hispanic-Wellness-Guide-VF.pdf)

Key point: Arthritis is not “just aging.” It’s a condition that can be treated and managed to protect mobility.

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Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common MSK problems worldwide—and it is a major cause of disability. In Mexico, a review described low back pain as one of the most common MSK conditions and a leading cause of disability, with real challenges tied to access and treatment systems. (Staufert et al., 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32816643/)

Low back pain can be driven by:

• Repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting

• Weak core and hip stabilizers

• Poor sleep and high stress

• Weight gain and inflammation

• Old injuries that never fully healed

Common daily-life effects

• Pain with sitting or driving

• Trouble lifting or carrying

• Pain when standing up from a chair

• Reduced walking tolerance

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Work-Related Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, and Leg Injuries

Physically demanding jobs can push the body past its limits—especially when work is repetitive, fast, and done in awkward positions.

A study of Latino manual workers found high MSK disorder prevalence, with epicondylitis (about 20%) and rotator cuff syndrome (about 19%) among the most common findings. (Mora et al., 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4452452/)

These kinds of problems often show up as:

• Rotator cuff pain (reaching overhead, lifting, carrying)

• Elbow tendinopathy (gripping tools, repetitive wrist motion)

• Wrist/hand pain (assembly work, meatpacking, construction)

• Hip/knee strain (standing long shifts, climbing, squatting)

• Foot pain (long hours on hard floors, poor footwear)

In meatpacking environments, repetitive motions and forceful exertion are associated with high rates of pain in the back, arms, and wrists. (Rowland et al., 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34425720/)

For aging Mexican immigrant farmworkers, research has also examined how persistent work-related MSK pain can link to functional impairment and disability. (Weigel et al., 2013, https://hia.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/article_musculoskeletal-inhury-functionala-disability-and-health-related-quality-of-life-in-aging-mexican-immigrant-farmworkers.pdf)

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Common Neuromusculoskeletal Concerns (MSK + Nerve-Related)

“Neuromusculoskeletal” issues involve joints, muscles, and nerves—like when back problems irritate nerve roots or neck/shoulder problems cause radiating arm symptoms.

Common examples include:

• Low back pain with sciatica-like symptoms

• Neck/shoulder pain with arm tingling

• Wrist/hand pain with nerve irritation (like carpal tunnel patterns)

• Chronic foot pain affecting balance and gait

These problems matter because when nerves are involved, people may notice:

• Tingling or numbness

• Weakness

• Burning or electric-like pain

• Poor balance or “giving way”

Important: New or worsening weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder changes should be treated as urgent red flags (more on that below).

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Why These Problems Are So Common: Key Drivers

Driver 1: Physically Demanding Work and Repetitive Strain

Many jobs require:

• Heavy lifting

• Repeated bending

• Fast repetitive hand motions

• Long-standing on hard floors

• Working in awkward postures

Over time, this can overload tendons, joints, and discs.

Work factors that raise risk

• High repetition + high force

• Limited rest breaks

• Poor ergonomics

• Tool vibration

• Cold environments (common in some processing plants)

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Driver 2: Obesity, Metabolic Risk, and Chronic Inflammation

Extra weight increases joint load—especially on the knees, hips, and feet. Metabolic problems can also increase inflammation and pain sensitivity.

Public health data show obesity remains a major concern in Hispanic/Latino communities, which can indirectly raise MSK risk through joint stress and reduced activity tolerance. (HHS Office of Minority Health, 2024, https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/obesity-and-hispaniclatino-americans)

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Driver 3: Pain, Frailty Risk, and Disability in Older Adults

Pain can speed up mobility decline. NIH research found that pain predicted later frailty in older Mexican Americans. (NIH, 2019, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/older-mexican-american-adults-experiencing-pain-are-risk-developing-frailty)

Frailty risk increases when pain leads to:

• Less walking

• Less strength training

• More fear of movement (fear of “making it worse”)

• Poor sleep and depressed mood

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Driver 4: Unequal Access to Conservative Care (Chiropractic/PT/Rehab)

For low back pain, guidelines increasingly support non-drug approaches like spinal manipulation and therapeutic exercise. But access is not equal.

A Boston Medical Center report summarizing national data found that only about one-third of adults with low back pain used chiropractic or physical rehabilitation, and use was less likely among Hispanic adults compared with non-Hispanic adults. (BMC, 2023, https://www.bmc.org/news/new-study-finds-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-persist-access-chiropractic-care-and-physical)

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Driver 5: Cultural and Communication Factors (Trust, Family, Beliefs About Pain)

Culturally respectful care matters. Research on pain in Hispanic/Latino populations has discussed how values and beliefs (like stoicism, family-centered decision-making, spirituality, and folk healing traditions) can shape pain reporting and treatment choices. (Duggleby, 2003, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637823/)

This does not mean “one culture = one behavior.” It means clinicians should:

• Ask better questions

• Avoid assumptions

• Build trust

• Include family support when the patient wants it

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Why Mexican American Women May Face Higher Disability Risk

In many communities, women carry a “double load”:

• Physically demanding work (paid work)

• Home responsibilities (unpaid work)

Women may also experience:

• Higher rates of arthritis-related disability over time in some studies

• Higher risk of pain-related functional limitations

And when care access is delayed, problems become harder to treat.

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How Nurse Practitioners and Integrative Chiropractic Care Can Help

A strong integrative plan aims to:

1. Reduce pain

2. Restore mobility

3. Improve strength and stability

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4. Support long-term health (weight, sleep, inflammation, stress)

5. Prevent recurrence

What NPs Can Do (Practical and Whole-Person)

Nurse practitioners can help by:

• Screening and diagnosis support

  • Rule out red flags (infection, fracture risk, serious neurologic issues)

  • Evaluate inflammatory arthritis risk when symptoms fit

  • Review meds and side effects

• Pain management options

  • Safer medication planning when needed

  • Topical options and step-up care when appropriate

  • Sleep support (because poor sleep raises pain sensitivity)

• Metabolic and inflammation support

  • Weight and nutrition counseling

  • Diabetes and lipid management (important for healing capacity)

  • Coaching on sustainable activity (not “all or nothing”)

• Referrals and coordination

  • Imaging when appropriate

  • Orthopedics, rheumatology, pain management, PT, or behavioral health when needed

(Clinical integration examples can be found in Dr. Jimenez’s integrative care discussions and multidisciplinary approach content. Jimenez, 2026, https://dralexjimenez.com/integrative-chiropractic-np-care-for-lasting-wellness/)

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What Integrative Chiropractic Care Can Do

Chiropractic care often focuses on:

• Joint mobility (spine and extremities)

• Movement quality (how you bend, squat, reach, walk)

• Nervous system irritation patterns (when appropriate)

• Hands-on care + active rehab

For many people with back and joint pain, a combined plan may include:

• Spinal manipulation or mobilization (when clinically appropriate)

• Soft tissue work

• Stretching and mobility drills

• Strengthening (hips, core, upper back, shoulder stabilizers)

• Work habit changes and ergonomics

National reporting also notes chiropractic and therapeutic exercise as evidence-based options commonly used for low back pain management, while highlighting access gaps. (BMC, 2023, https://www.bmc.org/news/new-study-finds-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-persist-access-chiropractic-care-and-physical)

Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s clinical approach emphasizes pairing hands-on care with active rehab, lifestyle support, and root-cause thinking—especially for chronic pain and repetitive strain patterns. (Jimenez, 2026, https://dralexjimenez.com/; Jimenez, 2025, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pain-management-effective-solutions-clinical-setting-dr-alexander-2eu0c)

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A Simple, Culturally Respectful Mobility Plan (That Actually Works)

Step 1: Start With Function (Not Just Pain)

Ask:

• What daily tasks are hardest right now?

• What movements trigger symptoms most?

• What is one activity you want back first?

Examples

• Walk 15 minutes without stopping

• Climb stairs with less pain

• Lift at work without flaring symptoms

• Sleep through the night

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Step 2: Use “Small Doses” of Movement Every Day

Mobility improves faster with consistency than intensity.

Easy daily movement options

• 5–10 minute walks after meals

• Gentle hip mobility drills

• Shoulder blade and upper back mobility

• Light strengthening 2–3x/week

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Step 3: Build Strength Where It Protects Joints

Joint pain often improves when the muscles around the joint get stronger.

Key strength zones

• Glutes (hip stability for knees/back)

• Core (spine support)

• Upper back (posture + shoulder mechanics)

• Calves/feet (better walking tolerance)

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Step 4: Reduce Work Strain Without “Quitting Your Job”

Work-smart strategies

• Micro-breaks (30–60 seconds every 20–40 minutes)

• Switch tasks when possible

• Tool and grip adjustments

• Better footwear/insoles when standing long shifts

• Lifting mechanics coaching

Studies of Latino manual workers show high rates of conditions like epicondylitis and rotator cuff problems—exactly the kinds of issues that benefit from ergonomics + strengthening + early care. (Mora et al., 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4452452/)

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Step 5: Address Weight and Inflammation Without Shame

This is about joint load and healing capacity—not blame.

Helpful targets:

• Gradual weight change if appropriate

• Higher protein intake for muscle support

• More fiber and colorful plants

• Less ultra-processed foods most days

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Step 6: Make Care Easy to Access and Easy to Follow

Culturally competent care can include:

• Respecting language preferences

• Clear explanations (no jargon)

• Including family support if the patient wants it

• Asking about traditional remedies without judgment

Pain beliefs and cultural values can shape how people report symptoms and what forms of support feel acceptable. (Duggleby, 2003, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637823/)

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Red Flags: When to Get Medical Help Fast

Seek urgent evaluation if any of these occur:

• New loss of bowel or bladder control

• Numbness in the groin/saddle area

• Rapidly worsening weakness in a leg or arm

• Fever with severe back pain

• Major trauma (fall, car crash) with severe pain

• Unexplained weight loss with severe pain

• Night pain that is severe and unrelenting

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Closing Takeaway

Mexican and Mexican American communities face common mobility threats—especially knee arthritis, chronic low back pain, and repetitive work-related injuries. These problems are strongly shaped by job demands, metabolic risk, aging, and unequal access to conservative rehab care. The good news: mobility can often improve with the right plan.

An integrative approach—combining NP-led whole-person care with chiropractic-focused movement restoration and rehabilitation—can help people hurt less, move better, and stay independent longer. (NIH, 2019, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/older-mexican-american-adults-experiencing-pain-are-risk-developing-frailty; BMC, 2023, https://www.bmc.org/news/new-study-finds-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-persist-access-chiropractic-care-and-physical; Jimenez, 2026, https://dralexjimenez.com/)

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References

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Category (ChiroMed). (2026). https://chiromed.com/category/advanced-practice-registered-nurses-aprn/

• Arthritis in the Hispanic Community: A Wellness Guide (Arthritis Foundation). (n.d.). https://www.arthritis.org/getmedia/1ad1c86d-79ac-4f82-ba93-9942dd7da93a/Hispanic-Wellness-Guide-VF.pdf

• Helping Hispanic/Latino home health patients manage pain (Duggleby, W.). (2003). Home Healthcare Nurse. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637823/

• Integrative Chiropractic Care + Nurse Practitioner Support: A Practical Plan for Fitness, Pain Relief, Energy, Stress, and Better Sleep (Jimenez, A.). (2026). https://dralexjimenez.com/integrative-chiropractic-np-care-for-lasting-wellness/

• Older Mexican American adults experiencing pain are at risk of developing frailty (National Institutes of Health). (2019). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/older-mexican-american-adults-experiencing-pain-are-risk-developing-frailty

• Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among immigrant Latino farmworkers and non-farmworkers in North Carolina (Mora, D. C., et al.). (2014). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4452452/

• A look into the challenges and complexities of managing low back pain in Mexico (Staufert, M. F. A., et al.). (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32816643/

• New Study Finds Racial and Ethnic Disparities Persist in Access to Chiropractic Care and Physical Rehabilitation for Adults with Low Back Pain (Boston Medical Center). (2023). https://www.bmc.org/news/new-study-finds-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-persist-access-chiropractic-care-and-physical

• Musculoskeletal disorders-associated disability in Mexico from 1990 to 2021 (Clark, P., et al.). (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38386887/

• Arthritis raises hospitalization risk in Mexico (UTMB study news release) (University of Texas Medical Branch). (2025). https://www.utmb.edu/spph/about-us/news/article/news/2025/05/12/arthritis-hospitalization-risk-mexico-utmb-study

• Obesity and Hispanic/Latino Americans (Office of Minority Health, HHS). (2024). https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/obesity-and-hispaniclatino-americans

• Musculoskeletal Injury, Functional Disability, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Aging Mexican Immigrant Farmworkers (Weigel, M. M., et al.). (2013). https://hia.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/article_musculoskeletal-inhury-functionala-disability-and-health-related-quality-of-life-in-aging-mexican-immigrant-farmworkers.pdf

• Musculoskeletal Pain and Cardiovascular Risk in Hispanic/Latino Meatpacking Workers (Rowland, S. A., et al.). (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34425720/

• Dr. Alexander Jimenez (Clinic Hub / Articles) (Jimenez, A.). (2026). https://dralexjimenez.com/

• Pain Management: Effective Solutions in a Clinical Setting (Jimenez, A.). (2025). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pain-management-effective-solutions-clinical-setting-dr-alexander-2eu0c