CERVICAL FASCIA VS. FORWARD HEAD POSTURE ⠀ you know the anterior cervical region houses the carotid artery, jugular vein, thyroid, trachea, esophagus and vagus nerve to name a few. All of these important structures are “housed” within the cervical fascia and it’s compartments. ⠀ The investing layer (external layer) of deep cervical fascia envelopes the upper trapezius muscle and SCM while continuous with the platysma . ⠀ the next deepest layer, the pretracheal layer of deep cervical fascia (SCM removed). This layer attaches to the hyoid bone and forms pockets for the sternohyoid and omohyoid (more lateral) muscles . This layer has many intersecting and crossing collagen fibers, making a “weave-like” appearance. This tissue is also the envelope for the thyroid, thyroid cartilage and trachea and is also called middle layer of deep cervical fascia (deep to the infrahyoid strap muscles). ⠀ the fascial compartments in geographical relationship to the trachea, esophagus and cervical vertebrae. ⠀ Tension on the pretracheal layer of deep cervical fascia, which is very common in “Forward Head Posture”, can affect the hyoid bone, thyroid, esophagus, trachea and even the pericardium resulting in visceral complaints as well as typical mechanical neck pains . ⠀ Fascia is responsible for the links between the musculoskeletal systems and visceral systems. Don’t forget to observe this important organ when you treat patients and not only focus on single structures!