The procedure is done by first creating a horizontal incision, generally about 1-2 inches long, on the front portion of the neck. For men the incision is placed immediately left of the “Adam’s Apple”. The muscle tissue within the neck is carefully moved aside, and retractors are used to create an opening to the spine. Once the surgeon gains access to the spine, he will remove the disc between the vertebrae, and any herniated discs, bone spurs, or overgrown tissue, is pulled away from the nerves and removed, alleviating any nerve root compression.