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Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a leading cause of disability around the world, disproportionately burdening migrant farmworkers due to physically demanding tasks, systemic barriers, and language exclusion. While physical demands are documented, the intersection of psychosocial stress and structural obstacles in migrant farmworking communities remains poorly understood. This study characterizes MSK pain burdens and predictors in Oxnard, California, while identifying cultural beliefs and critical gaps in injury prevention and pain management. The purpose of this study is to provide a foundation for a targeted health education curriculum.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assesses MSK pain and beliefs using the adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Migrant Farmworker Stress Inventory, and California Agricultural Worker Health Survey. The survey was administered in English and Spanish and was written at a 6th grade level. 65 participants were recruited as a convenience sample at a health fair in Oxnard, California. Inclusion required farmwork within the past year. Primary outcomes were region-specific pain over 12 months, pain interference with work, and pain management sources. Predictors include type of agricultural work, years in fieldwork, insurance status, and psychosocial domains. Secondary predictors include healthcare access and immigration-related fears. Data was analyzed using descriptive and univariate methods.

Results: Of the 65 farmworkers surveyed (92% Mexican-born, 64% female, mean age 43, 16 years in agriculture), 92% reported MSK pain in the past 12 months. The most affected regions were the lower back (52.3%) and upper back (40%). Most were pickers (84.6%) who sought clinic care (76.9%). Treatments included acetaminophen (47.7%), ibuprofen (46.2%), and herbal remedies (38.5%). Pain interfered with work for 59% and reduced income for 47%. Cost, immigration concerns, psychosocial stress, and injury reporting fears were significantly associated with both work interference and lost income (p<0.05). Desired interventions included stretching (67.7%), mechanics education (46.2%), low-cost care, and language-concordant information.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high burden of MSK pain among migrant farmworkers, with significant functional and economic impacts. The findings suggest that beyond physical labor, psychosocial stressors and immigration-related fears are key predictors of pain work interference and lost income. Future interventions should prioritize low-cost, language-concordant care and culturally tailored injury prevention. Addressing these structural and emotional barriers is essential for improving occupational health outcomes and economic stability in this vulnerable population.