Howell’s Choice for Expert Spine Surgery
Howell residents seeking world-class spine care no longer need to travel to New York City or Philadelphia. Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS at The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, NJ is just 25 minutes from Howell via Route 9 North directly to Edison. A pioneer of awake spinal fusion, Dr. Sharan performs complex spine procedures using regional anesthesia — no general anesthesia, same-day discharge, and recovery in just 2–4 weeks. Patients from Howell, Freehold, and Marlboro across Monmouth County consistently rate Dr. Sharan as their top choice for back pain treatment and spine surgery. Call (732) 898-3950 today.
Years Experience
Dr. Sharan’s Credentials — What Howell Patients Should Know
Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
Pioneer of awake spinal fusion — no general anesthesia required
Same-day discharge in most cases, 2–4 week recovery
Castle Connolly Top Doctor & NY Magazine Best Doctor
201 five-star Google reviews — 5.0 rating
Deputy Editor, Clinical Spine Surgery (peer-reviewed journal)
100+ peer-reviewed published studies
Co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — Thieme Medical Publishers (2026)
Spine Conditions We Treat for Howell Patients
Whether you’re managing debilitating sciatica, a herniated disc, or progressive spinal stenosis, Howell patients have access to one of New Jersey’s most experienced spine specialists just a short drive away in Edison.
Awake Spinal Fusion vs. Traditional Surgery
Dr. Sharan’s awake approach gives Howell patients a substantial advantage over conventional spine surgery. By replacing general anesthesia with regional anesthesia, the procedure becomes safer, blood loss is significantly reduced, and most patients are discharged the same day they arrive — returning home to Howell that evening.
| 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 Howell, NJ to Our Edison Office
Our office is conveniently located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 25 minutes from Howell via Route 9 North directly to Edison. Patients from Freehold, Marlboro, and Farmingdale 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 Howell
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is the pioneer of awake spinal fusion in the United States — a distinction that sets him apart from virtually every other spine surgeon accessible to Howell patients. His innovation: replacing general anesthesia with regional anesthesia for spinal fusion procedures, enabling same-day discharge, 2–4 week recovery, and real-time neurological monitoring during surgery. Dr. Sharan has trained surgeons nationwide in this technique and co-edited Awake Spine Surgery (Thieme Medical Publishers, 2026), the definitive textbook on the subject.
With 20+ years of experience, Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition, and the ability to see new Howell patients within 1–2 weeks, Dr. Sharan makes world-class spine care genuinely accessible from Howell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the spine surgeon from Howell, NJ?
Dr. Sharan’s office is at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 25 minutes from Howell via Route 9 North directly to Edison. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule.
What makes Dr. Sharan the best spine surgeon for Howell patients?
Dr. Sharan is board-certified, fellowship-trained, and a pioneer of awake spinal fusion — a technique that eliminates general anesthesia risks. With 201 five-star reviews, 20+ years of experience, and Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition, he offers Howell patients an unmatched level of expertise.
What spine procedures does Dr. Sharan perform?
Dr. Sharan offers lumbar fusion, ACDF, laminectomy and discectomy, minimally invasive spine surgery, and his signature awake spinal fusion technique — all available to Howell and Monmouth County patients.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sharan from Howell?
No referral is needed. Howell patients can book directly by calling (732) 898-3950 or submitting our contact form.
Can I upload my MRI before my consultation?
Yes. You can securely upload MRI images at our MRI upload portal before your visit so Dr. Sharan can review your case ahead of time.
