Milltown’s Choice for Expert Spine Surgery
For Milltown patients dealing with back pain, neck pain, or spinal conditions, expert help is just 15 minutes away at The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, NJ. Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and nationally recognized pioneer of awake spinal fusion — a technique that replaces general anesthesia with regional anesthesia for safer surgery, less blood loss, and dramatically faster recovery. Milltown patients, along with those from East Brunswick and South Brunswick, benefit from same-day discharge and 2–4 week recovery with Dr. Sharan’s approach. Call (732) 898-3950 or visit our contact page.
Years Experience
Dr. Sharan’s Credentials — What Milltown Patients Should Know
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 Milltown Patients
Whether you’re managing debilitating sciatica, a herniated disc, or progressive spinal stenosis, Milltown 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 Milltown 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 Milltown 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 Milltown, NJ to Our Edison Office
Our office is conveniently located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 15 minutes from Milltown via Route 1 South to Route 27 South. Patients from East Brunswick, South Brunswick, and New Brunswick 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 Milltown
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 Milltown 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 Milltown patients within 1–2 weeks, Dr. Sharan makes world-class spine care genuinely accessible from Milltown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Milltown to Dr. Sharan’s office?
Approximately 15 minutes via Route 1 South to Route 27 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 Milltown 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 Milltown 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 Milltown patients without a referral?
Absolutely. Milltown 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.
