Expert Spine Care Serving Cranford, NJ Patients
When Cranford patients need a trusted, highly credentialed spine surgeon, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS stands out as the clear choice. Located at The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison — just 20 minutes from Cranford via Route 22 East to Route 1 South — Dr. Sharan is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery, and the pioneer of the awake spinal fusion technique in the United States. For Cranford patients dealing with herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis, Dr. Sharan offers surgical solutions with same-day discharge and 2–4 week recovery. No referral needed — call (732) 898-3950.
Years Experience
The Advantages Cranford Patients Gain with Dr. Sharan
Awake spinal fusion pioneer — nationally recognized for eliminating general anesthesia in spine surgery
Castle Connolly Top Doctor — peer-nominated recognition
Fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
MHCDS — Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice
100+ published peer-reviewed studies
201 five-star Google reviews — 5.0 rating
Same-day discharge, 2–4 week recovery for most patients
Co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — Thieme Medical Publishers (2026)
Spine Conditions We Treat for Cranford Patients
Dr. Sharan treats a full range of spine conditions for patients traveling from Cranford and throughout Union County. Whether you suffer from chronic back pain, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, Dr. Sharan offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your needs.
Awake Spinal Fusion vs. Traditional Surgery
Cranford-area patients choosing Dr. Sharan benefit from his pioneering awake spinal fusion technique. Unlike traditional spine surgery, this approach uses regional anesthesia — keeping you comfortable while eliminating the risks of general anesthesia. The result is a safer procedure, less blood loss, and a dramatically faster recovery.
| Traditional Spine Surgery | Awake Spinal Fusion — Dr. Sharan |
|---|---|
| General anesthesia | Regional anesthesia — with sedation |
| 1–3 day hospital stay | Same-day discharge in most cases |
| 6–12 week recovery | 2–4 week recovery |
| Higher complication risk | Fewer complications, less blood loss |
Directions from Cranford, NJ to Our Edison Office
Our office is conveniently located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 20 minutes from Cranford via Route 22 East to Route 1 South. Patients from Clark, Garwood, and Kenilworth regularly make the drive. Ample free parking is available on-site.
Call (732) 898-3950 to confirm your appointment and get directions.
About Dr. Alok Sharan — Best Spine Surgeon Near Cranford
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is widely recognized as one of the best spine surgeons in NJ, serving patients from Cranford, Union County, and across New Jersey. He completed his fellowship training at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and has dedicated over 20 years to advancing minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Sharan is the Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery, a prestigious peer-reviewed journal, and has authored more than 100 published studies. He is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine Best Doctor — distinctions earned through peer recognition, not self-promotion.
His practice at The Spine and Performance Institute is dedicated exclusively to spine care. Cranford patients benefit from his complete focus on the spine — not a general orthopedic practice where spine is one of many specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Cranford to Dr. Sharan’s office?
Approximately 20 minutes via Route 22 East to Route 1 South. Our office is at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820, with ample free on-site parking. Call (732) 898-3950.
What is awake spinal fusion?
Awake spinal fusion is a technique pioneered by Dr. Sharan that replaces general anesthesia with regional anesthesia. Patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure while Dr. Sharan communicates with them to verify nerve function in real time. For Cranford patients, this means same-day discharge, 2–4 week recovery, and significantly fewer complications.
How long is recovery from spine surgery?
With Dr. Sharan’s awake minimally invasive technique, most Cranford patients are discharged the same day and return to light activity within 2–4 weeks — compared to 6–12 weeks with traditional open surgery.
Does Dr. Sharan accept Cranford patients without a referral?
Absolutely. Cranford patients can schedule directly by calling (732) 898-3950 or using our online contact form — no physician referral required.
Can I send my imaging before my appointment?
Yes — use our secure MRI upload portal to share your imaging with Dr. Sharan before your first visit. This allows him to review your case in advance and make your consultation more productive.
