Board-Certified Spine Specialist for Plainfield, 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 Plainfield patients access to the most advanced minimally invasive spine techniques in New Jersey, just 25 minutes away via Route 28 East or 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 Plainfield, North Plainfield, and Scotch Plains who want expert care without the long trip to the city. Call (732) 898-3950 to get started.
Years Experience
Why Plainfield Patients Choose 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 Plainfield Patients
Whether you’re managing debilitating sciatica, a herniated disc, or progressive spinal stenosis, Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield, NJ to Our Edison Office
Our office is conveniently located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 25 minutes from Plainfield via Route 28 East or Route 22 East to Route 1 South. Patients from North Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and Dunellen 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 Plainfield
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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield patients within 1–2 weeks, Dr. Sharan makes world-class spine care genuinely accessible from Plainfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Plainfield to Dr. Sharan’s office?
Approximately 25 minutes via Route 28 East or 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield patients without a referral?
Absolutely. Plainfield 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.
