Difference between Neck Locking and Neck Restraint (Vascular and Respiratory)

Neck Locking –
It is a lever technique that limits this natural ability to generate strength of the surrounding neck muscles. Achieved by locking the cervical vertebrae discs to control the head.
The method of application for such techniques should be practiced with great care, and only the necessary force to the subject should be taken when applying this method of restraint, to limit the potential of permanent injury to the subject.
Unlike the other methods of restraint to the neck, the ‘Neck Locking” method only effects the structural integrity of the skeletal system. If the subject resists, the muscles will be tighten creating a spasm and cramping effect.
If the neck is extended beyond the natural maximum angle of these joints, they will dislocate the cervical vertebrae possibly severing the spinal cord.

Neck Restraint –
Neck restraints can be categorised into two types, the respiratory and vascular restraints, as stated below:

Respiratory –
Clearly the most dangerous neck restraint, it establishes control by applying direct pressure to the trachea. This method compresses through the wrist or forearm, generating strangulation and high degrees of pain.
This method also creates an adrenal rush, which can trigger the fight or flight syndrome, enhancing the subject’s pain and survival threshold. Prolonged pressure will create the muscles surrounding the trachea to swell causing possible death by affixation.

Vascular –
The vascular restraint method is accomplished by applying pressure to the outside of the neck, rather than the trachea. The result of the compression is unconsciousness due to the lack of oxygenated blood to the brain.

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