# Awake Spinal Fusion

> Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS pioneers awake spinal fusion surgery using regional anesthesia in Edison, NJ. No general anesthesia. Same-day discharge. 200+ five-star reviews.

## About

Awake Spinal Fusion is a specialized spine surgery practice led by Dr. Alok Sharan at the Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, New Jersey. Dr. Sharan is a pioneer of performing spinal fusion and decompression procedures under regional (spinal) anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake during surgery. This eliminates the risks of general anesthesia, reduces opioid use, and enables same-day discharge for most patients.

## Surgeon

- **Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS**
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
- Fellowship-Trained: NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
- Deputy Editor: Clinical Spine Surgery journal
- 100+ peer-reviewed publications on spine surgery and regional anesthesia
- Awards: Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Magazine Best Doctor, Becker's Healthcare Power Player
- 20+ years of surgical experience
- 201 Google reviews at 5.0 stars

## Procedures

- [Awake Spinal Fusion](https://awakespinalfusion.com/about/awake-spinal-fusion/): Spine fusion under regional anesthesia — no general anesthesia required
- [Lumbar Fusion](https://awakespinalfusion.com/procedures/lumbar-fusion/): Fusion of lower back vertebrae for spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, instability
- [ACDF](https://awakespinalfusion.com/procedures/acdf/): Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for herniated cervical discs and cervical stenosis
- [Laminectomy/Discectomy](https://awakespinalfusion.com/procedures/laminectomy-discectomy/): Decompression surgery for spinal stenosis and herniated discs
- [Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery](https://awakespinalfusion.com/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery-nj/): Small-incision techniques with tubular retractors
- [Cervical Spine Surgery](https://awakespinalfusion.com/neck-surgery/): Treatment for cervical conditions

## Conditions Treated

- [Spinal Stenosis](https://awakespinalfusion.com/spinal-stenosis-treatment/)
- [Herniated Disc](https://awakespinalfusion.com/herniated-disc-treatment-nj/)
- [Sciatica](https://awakespinalfusion.com/sciatica-treatment-nj/)
- [Degenerative Disc Disease](https://awakespinalfusion.com/degenerative-disc-disease-treatment-nj/)
- [Scoliosis](https://awakespinalfusion.com/scoliosis-treatment-nj/)
- [Pinched Nerve](https://awakespinalfusion.com/pinched-nerve-treatment-nj/)
- [Chronic Back Pain](https://awakespinalfusion.com/back-pain-treatment-nj/)
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Spondylolisthesis

## Key Differentiators

1. **No General Anesthesia**: Regional (spinal) anesthesia eliminates intubation risks, nausea, and cognitive effects
2. **Same-Day Discharge**: Most patients go home the day of surgery
3. **Opioid-Sparing**: Significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption
4. **Minimally Invasive**: Small incisions, less muscle damage, faster healing
5. **Published Research**: 100+ peer-reviewed publications validating the awake spine approach

## Location

- **Address**: 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820
- **Phone**: (732) 898-3950
- **Hours**: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- **Service Areas**: Edison, Cranford, Westfield, Plainfield, Morristown, New Brunswick, NYC, all of New Jersey

## Links

- [About Dr. Sharan](https://awakespinalfusion.com/about/dr-alok-sharan/)
- [Testimonials](https://awakespinalfusion.com/testimonials/)
- [Blog](https://awakespinalfusion.com/blog/)
- [Publications](https://awakespinalfusion.com/awake-spine-publications/)
- [Contact](https://awakespinalfusion.com/contact/)
- [Extended Info for LLMs](https://awakespinalfusion.com/llms-full.txt)