The procedure is performed at one or more disc levels in the spine simultaneously through an incision in the front of the neck. A small surgical incision is made over the front of the neck, generally off to the side in a location where scarring will not be clearly visible. The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and carotid arteries are separated from the trachea and esophagus, and each is protected using specialized tools called retractors (either tubular or rectangular) throughout the procedure. The soft disc is then carefully removed, along with any herniated pieces or bone spurs that are causing compression on the nerves.