Board-Certified Spine Specialist for Fanwood, NJ
Chronic back pain and spine conditions affect quality of life for thousands of Union County residents — but relief is close by. Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS at The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison offers Fanwood patients access to the most advanced minimally invasive spine techniques in New Jersey, just 25 minutes away via Route 22 East to Route 1 South. With over 201 five-star Google reviews, 20+ years of experience, and a reputation as the pioneer of awake spinal fusion, Dr. Sharan is consistently chosen by patients from Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and Westfield who want expert care without the long trip to the city. Call (732) 898-3950 to get started.
Years Experience
Why Fanwood Patients Choose Dr. Sharan
201 five-star Google reviews — 5.0 rating across 20+ years of practice
Board-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Castle Connolly Top Doctor & NY Magazine Best Doctor
Pioneer of awake spinal fusion — regional anesthesia replaces general anesthesia
Same-day discharge in the vast majority of cases
100+ peer-reviewed published studies on minimally invasive spine techniques
Deputy Editor, Clinical Spine Surgery
Co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — Thieme Medical Publishers (2026)
Spine Conditions We Treat for Fanwood Patients
Fanwood patients come to Dr. Sharan for expert evaluation and treatment of a wide spectrum of spine conditions. His conservative-first philosophy means surgery is only recommended when truly necessary — many Fanwood patients achieve lasting relief without an operation.
Awake Spinal Fusion vs. Traditional Surgery
Traditional spine surgery carries significant risks from general anesthesia — risks that Fanwood patients can now avoid entirely. Dr. Sharan’s awake technique uses regional anesthesia with light sedation, so you remain comfortable throughout while Dr. Sharan can communicate with you to confirm nerve function in real time.
| 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 Fanwood, NJ to Our Edison Office
Our office is conveniently located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 25 minutes from Fanwood via Route 22 East to Route 1 South. Patients from Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Plainfield 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 Fanwood
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS has built a reputation as one of the most trusted spine surgeons in New Jersey, with over 201 five-star Google reviews reflecting exceptional outcomes for patients from Fanwood and across Union County. Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, Dr. Sharan combines academic distinction with a patient-first approach that prioritizes the least invasive solution. For Fanwood patients, this means a thorough evaluation, a conservative treatment plan when possible, and when surgery is needed — the safest, most advanced technique available.
Dr. Sharan also holds a Master of Health Care Delivery Science (MHCDS) from Dartmouth, enabling him to deliver evidence-based care with efficiency and transparency that Fanwood patients appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the nearest top spine surgeon to Fanwood, NJ?
Dr. Alok Sharan at The Spine and Performance Institute, 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820, is approximately 25 minutes from Fanwood via Route 22 East to Route 1 South. Call (732) 898-3950.
Is awake spinal fusion safe?
Yes. Awake spinal fusion actually reduces surgical risk compared to traditional surgery by eliminating general anesthesia. Dr. Sharan performs awake spine surgery on patients from Fanwood and across Union County, communicating with patients during the procedure to confirm nerve function in real time.
What conditions does Dr. Sharan treat for Fanwood patients?
Dr. Sharan treats herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and chronic neck and back pain for patients from Fanwood and surrounding Union County communities.
Do I need a referral from Fanwood to see Dr. Sharan?
No referral is required. Fanwood patients can book directly — call (732) 898-3950 or use our online form. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks.
How quickly can I be seen?
New patients from Fanwood are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. You can also upload your MRI in advance to make your first visit even more productive.
