Mobility Pain in Mexican American Communities and Solutions

Common Musculoskeletal Mobility Problems in Mexican and Mexican American Communities (and How NPs + Integrative Chiropractic Care Can Help)

Musculoskeletal problems involve the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these parts hurt or do not move well, people often lose mobility. That can mean trouble walking, working, lifting, sleeping, or even doing basic daily tasks like dressing, cooking, or shopping.

In many Mexican and Mexican American communities, several mobility-limiting problems show up often—especially knee osteoarthritis (OA), chronic low back pain, and work-related overuse injuries affecting the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and legs. Research from Mexico also shows that musculoskeletal disorders are a major driver of disability and have increased over time, with low back pain and osteoarthritis standing out.

At the same time, many people face barriers to care (cost, time off work, transportation, language, trust, or not knowing what options exist). Studies in the U.S. show that Hispanic adults with low back pain are less likely to use chiropractic care or physical rehabilitation compared with non-Hispanic adults, even though these approaches are commonly recommended.

This article explains the most common mobility issues affecting Mexican and Mexican American adults and how nurse practitioners (NPs) and integrative chiropractic care can work together to improve movement, reduce pain, and protect function—using a culturally respectful approach.

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Why These Mobility Issues Matter So Much

Mobility is not just about sports or exercise. It is about independence and quality of life.

When pain becomes chronic, people may:

• Walking less and losing strength

• Gain weight more easily

• Sleep worse

• Feel more stress, anxiety, or depression

• Miss work or work in pain

• Avoid social activities and family outings

In older Mexican American adults, pain can also raise the risk of frailty, which is a health state linked to weakness, slower walking, falls, and loss of independence.

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Common Mobility-Limiting Conditions in Mexican and Mexican American Adults

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) and Other Arthritis-Related Joint Problems

Osteoarthritis is a “wear-and-tear” joint disease. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It can cause:

• Stiffness (especially in the morning)

• Pain with walking, stairs, squatting, or standing

• Swelling

• Reduced range of motion

• Fear of movement (because movement hurts)

Research tied to Mexico shows that arthritis can be linked with more hospitalizations and functional limitations.
Long-term studies in older Mexican Americans also show that arthritis is strongly connected to mobility disability and reduced physical function over many years.

Why the knees get hit hard

• Knees handle large forces with walking, stairs, lifting, and kneeling

• Many jobs require prolonged standing, squatting, climbing, or carrying

• Extra body weight increases the load across the knee joint (more stress per step)

Helpful note: Community-focused arthritis education and walking programs exist and can be adapted culturally, including Spanish-language resources from arthritis organizations and public health campaigns.

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Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek care. It can come from:

• Repetitive bending and lifting

• Long hours standing or sitting

• Weak core/hip stability

• Poor recovery after strains or minor injuries

• Arthritis changes in the spine

• Sleep problems and stress that keep the nervous system “on high alert”

In Mexico, population-level research shows that low back pain is a leading contributor to disability burden.
And in the U.S., disparities persist in who receives chiropractic care or physical rehab for low back pain.

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Work-Related Overuse Injuries (Shoulders, Wrists, Elbows, and Legs)

Many physically demanding jobs can strain the body over time. Common high-risk tasks include:

• Repetitive cutting, gripping, twisting, or lifting

• Overhead reaching (shoulders)

• Forceful pushing/pulling

• Fast-paced production lines

• Awkward postures (bent wrists, rounded shoulders, bent back)

Studies of manual workers—including immigrant Latino workers—show high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, with epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow) and rotator cuff problems commonly identified.
Research on meatpacking workers also highlights frequent back, arm, and wrist pain linked to repetitive work demands.
Occupational activities in Mexico—such as repetitive craftwork postures—have also been studied for injury risk and body strain.

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Why Mobility Disability Can Be Higher in Women (Especially With Aging)

Across many populations, women often report higher disability at older ages, and research discussing Mexican American and Latina disability patterns also notes gender gaps in functional limitations.

Common contributing factors can include:

• Higher rates of arthritis or pain conditions in older women in several datasets

• Caregiving workload (less rest, more repetitive strain)

• Less time for structured rehab

• Differences in muscle mass and bone density with aging

• Health access barriers that delay early treatment

The key clinical point: early support matters. Catching pain early—before people stop moving—helps protect function.

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Why Obesity and Metabolic Health Matter for Mobility

Body weight and metabolic inflammation can worsen joint pain and slow recovery. Extra weight increases joint load, especially at the knees. Also, blood sugar instability and chronic inflammation can increase pain sensitivity and stiffness.

Large public health summaries note OA as a major cause of pain and disability, and resources emphasize prevention and management approaches in primary care.
In clinical practice, Dr. Alexander Jimenez often highlights the “whole-person” picture—movement, posture, nutrition, sleep, and stress—because these factors can amplify or calm pain signals and affect recovery speed.

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A Simple “Pattern Map” of Common Problems (Quick Reference)

Most common mobility-limiting pain areas

• Knees (OA, overuse, cartilage irritation)

• Low back (chronic strain, joint irritation, poor core/hip stability)

• Shoulders (rotator cuff tendinopathy/impingement)

• Elbows (tennis/golfer’s elbow/epicondylitis)

• Wrists/hands (repetitive strain, gripping work)

Most common drivers

• Repetitive work tasks, heavy labor, awkward posture

• Aging-related joint changes

• Poor sleep and high stress (pain amplification)

• Weight/metabolic inflammation

• Delayed care due to access barriers

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How NPs Help: Practical, Whole-Person Care That Protects Function

Nurse practitioners are often the “hub” that connects pain, mobility, and overall health. For mobility problems, NPs can:

Medical assessment and safety checks

• Screen for red flags (fracture risk, infection signs, neurologic changes)

• Review medications and side effects

• Order labs or imaging when needed

• Coordinate referrals (orthopedics, rheumatology, PT, pain specialists)

Chronic disease and inflammation management

• Address diabetes, hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, depression/anxiety

• Create step-by-step weight and nutrition plans

• Discuss anti-inflammatory food choices and realistic activity goals

Pain management that avoids “one tool only”

NP care can combine:

• Education and pacing strategies

• Topical options, short-term meds when appropriate

• Sleep and stress support (since poor sleep increases pain sensitivity)

• Coaching for safe movement and home exercises

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How Integrative Chiropractic Care Helps: Movement, Joints, and Nervous System Support

Integrative chiropractic care often focuses on:

• Restoring joint motion (spine and extremities)

• Reducing mechanical stress from posture and movement habits

• Improving mobility and function with hands-on care plus exercise

Evidence summaries and health-system research note chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation as evidence-based approaches commonly used for low back pain, though access disparities remain.

From Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s clinical perspective (as a DC and NP), long-term results usually improve when care goes beyond a single technique and includes:

• Consistent mobility work

• Core/hip stability

• Ergonomic changes

• Nutrition, sleep, and stress support

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Why a Combined NP + Integrative Chiropractic Approach Works Well

Mobility problems usually have multiple causes. A combined team can address:

• Structure and movement (joint mechanics, posture, mobility, strength)

• Inflammation and recovery (sleep, nutrition, metabolic health)

• Function goals (walking tolerance, stairs, work duties, home tasks)

• Cultural fit (language, beliefs about pain, family involvement)

This matters because culture can shape how people describe pain, when they seek care, and what treatments feel acceptable. Research on Hispanic/Latino pain experience and nursing strategies supports culturally aware assessment, family-centered planning, and respect for beliefs and remedies.

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Culturally Competent Care: What It Looks Like in Real Life

Communication and trust

• Ask what the patient believes is causing the pain

• Use clear language (and Spanish when preferred)

• Confirm understanding (“teach-back” method)

• Invite family support if the patient wants it

Respect for beliefs and self-care traditions

Some people use home remedies, topical treatments, prayer/spiritual support, or traditional healers. Clinicians should ask respectfully to ensure care plans remain safe (avoiding harmful interactions) while honoring patient values.

Realistic planning for working adults

• Short home programs (5–10 minutes)

• Movement breaks during shifts

• Modified lifting strategies

• Simple pain flare plans (what to do for 24–72 hours)

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A Practical Functional Rehab Plan (Simple and Effective)

Daily “mobility minimums” (10–12 minutes total)

• 2 minutes: easy walking or marching in place

• 3 minutes: hip mobility (gentle hip flexor + hamstring stretch)

• 3 minutes: thoracic/chest opening (reduce rounded shoulders)

• 4 minutes: core + glute stability (bird-dog, glute bridge, side plank)

Dr. Jimenez often emphasizes frequent small movements, posture resets, and basic core/hip work to restore mobility—especially for people with back pain patterns tied to prolonged sitting or repetitive strain.

Workday protection tips (quick wins)

• Swap long static positions for short position changes every 30–60 minutes

• Keep loads close to the body (reduces back torque)

• Use both hands when possible (reduces elbow/wrist overload)

• Rotate tasks (even small rotations reduce repetitive strain)

For knee OA pain

• Start with low-impact movement: walking, cycling, pool work

• Build thigh and hip strength gradually (stronger legs unload the knee)

• Consider supportive footwear and walking surfaces

• Avoid “all-or-nothing” flare cycles (do a little consistently)

For tennis/golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)

• Reduce repeated gripping/force temporarily

• Add graded forearm strengthening and stretching

• Check wrist position in work tools and sports equipment

In Dr. Jimenez’s education content, elbow pain/epicondylitis is often framed as an overuse problem that improves when people match the rehab load to tissue tolerance (instead of pushing through sharp pain every day).

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What to Track (So You Know You’re Improving)

Simple tracking keeps patients motivated and helps clinicians adjust plans.

Track once per week

• Pain score (0–10)

• Steps per day (or walking minutes)

• “Stair test” (how many flights before pain rises?)

• Sleep hours and sleep quality

• Work tolerance (hours before symptoms spike)

Celebrate functional wins

• “I can shop without stopping”

• “I can stand long enough to cook”

• “I can climb stairs with less fear”

• “I can carry groceries with less shoulder pain”

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When to Escalate Care (Important Safety Notes)

Seek urgent evaluation if there is:

• New bowel/bladder changes with back pain

• Progressive leg weakness or foot drop

• Fever with severe spine pain

• Unexplained weight loss with persistent pain

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

NPs are key for these safety screens and for coordinating imaging or specialty care when needed.

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Key Takeaways

• Common mobility issues in Mexican and Mexican American adults often include knee OA/arthritis, chronic low back pain, and work-related overuse injuries.

• Pain in older Mexican American adults can increase the risk of frailty and disability, so early care matters.

• Work demands (repetition, force, and awkward posture) strongly contribute to shoulder, wrist, elbow, and back problems.

• A combined approach—NP + integrative chiropractic care—can address both whole-body health and movement mechanics, improving function and quality of life.

• Culturally competent care improves trust, communication, and follow-through.

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References

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Arthritis in the Hispanic community (Hispanic Wellness Guide).

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Arthritis in the Hispanic community (web resource).

Callahan, L. F., et al. (2016). Evaluation of the Arthritis Foundation’s Camine Con Gusto program.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Buenos días, artritis campaign materials.

Clark, P., et al. (2018). The burden of musculoskeletal disorders in Mexico (1990–2016).

Clark, P., et al. (2023). Analysis of musculoskeletal disorders–associated disability in Mexico (1990–2021).

Díaz-Venegas, C., et al. (2016). Differences in the progression of disability: A U.S.–Mexico comparison.

Díaz-Venegas, C., et al. (2016). The progression of disability among older adults in Mexico.

Duggleby, W. (2003). Helping Hispanic/Latino home health patients manage pain.

Harrison, T. (2009). Health disparities among Latinas aging with disabilities.

Hollingshead, N. A., et al. (2016). The pain experience of Hispanic Americans: A critical review.

Jeanson, A. L., et al. (2025). Assessing musculoskeletal injury risk and skeletal changes in textile work (Chiapas).

Mendoza-Pinto, C., et al. (2024). Trends in the disease burden of musculoskeletal disorders in Mexico (1990–2019).

Mora, D. C., et al. (2014). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among immigrant Latino farmworkers and non-farmworkers.

National Institutes of Health. (2019). Older Mexican American adults experiencing pain are at risk of developing frailty.

Roseen, E. J., et al. (2023). Trends in chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation use among U.S. adults with low back pain (2002–2018).

Rodriguez, M. A., et al. (2021/2022). Arthritis, physical function, and disability among older Mexican Americans over 23 years of follow-up.

Rowland, S. A., et al. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and cardiovascular risk in Hispanic/Latino meatpacking workers.

The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases (BMUS). (n.d.). Prevalence (Fourth Edition).

The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases (BMUS). (n.d.). Osteoarthritis overview.

UTMB School of Public and Population Health. (2025, May 12). UTMB study: Arthritis raises hospitalization risk in Mexico.

Weigel, M. M., et al. (2013/2014). Musculoskeletal injury, functional disability, and health-related quality of life in aging Mexican immigrant farmworkers.

Boston Medical Center. (2023, Oct 19). New study finds racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation.

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Clinical education resources (Dr. Alex Jimenez site).

El Paso Back Pain Clinic (ElPasoChiropractorBlog). (n.d.). Patient education resources.

ChiroMed. (n.d.). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) category.