Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near Highland Park, NJ
If you are looking for minimally invasive spine surgery near Highland Park, NJ, expert care is just 10 minutes away in Edison. Board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, performs advanced minimally invasive spine surgery at The Spine and Performance Institute, 35-37 Progress St., Edison, NJ 08820 — easily reached from Highland Park via Route 27 or Route 1. Dr. Sharan’s pioneering awake technique means smaller incisions, no general anesthesia, same-day discharge, and a 2–4 week recovery for most patients. Highland Park residents no longer need to travel to Philadelphia or New York City for world-class minimally invasive spine care.
Years Experience
Why Highland Park Patients Choose Dr. Sharan for MISS
Only 10 minutes from Highland Park via Route 27 or Route 1
Awake surgery — regional anesthesia, no general anesthesia risks
Same-day discharge in most cases
2–4 week recovery vs. 6–12 weeks with traditional surgery
201 five-star Google reviews — 5.0 rating
100+ peer-reviewed publications, Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — Thieme Medical Publishers (2026)
What Makes Our Minimally Invasive Approach Different
Most spine surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery under general anesthesia. Dr. Sharan goes further — he performs minimally invasive spine surgery while the patient remains awake using regional anesthesia. This “awake MISS” technique, pioneered by Dr. Sharan, provides significant advantages for Highland Park patients:
- Eliminates general anesthesia risks — especially important for patients with heart, lung, or metabolic conditions
- Allows real-time neurological monitoring during surgery — Dr. Sharan communicates with you to confirm nerve function
- Reduces intraoperative blood loss and post-operative nausea
- Enables same-day discharge in the vast majority of cases
- Shorter recovery — most Highland Park patients return to light activity within 2–4 weeks
Dr. Sharan has trained surgeons nationwide in this technique and has published over 100 peer-reviewed studies on regional anesthesia and enhanced recovery in spine surgery. Highland Park patients benefit from access to one of the most experienced awake spine surgeons in the country, just 10 minutes away.
Conditions We Treat for Highland Park Patients
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Spine Surgery
| Traditional Open Spine Surgery | Minimally Invasive Surgery — Dr. Sharan, Serving Highland Park NJ |
|---|---|
| Large incisions (3–6 inches) | Tiny incisions (less than 1 inch) |
| General anesthesia required | Regional anesthesia — patient stays awake |
| 1–3 day hospital stay | Same-day discharge in most cases |
| 6–12 week recovery | 2–4 week recovery |
| Significant muscle disruption | Muscle-sparing technique |
| Higher complication risk | Fewer complications, less blood loss |
About Dr. Alok Sharan — Minimally Invasive Spine Specialist Serving Highland Park, NJ
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and pioneer of the awake minimally invasive spine surgery technique. He completed his fellowship at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and serves as Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery, a leading peer-reviewed journal. Dr. Sharan has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine Best Doctor, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications focusing on regional anesthesia, enhanced recovery, and minimally invasive techniques.
His Edison, NJ office at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5 is easily accessible from Highland Park via Route 27 or Route 1 — approximately 10 minutes. The office also draws patients from nearby New Brunswick and North Brunswick.
With over 20 years of experience and 201 five-star Google reviews, Dr. Sharan is among New Jersey’s most trusted spine surgeons. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. You can also upload your MRI images in advance to expedite your consultation.
Directions from Highland Park NJ to Our Edison Office
From Highland Park, take Route 27 or Route 1 to reach our Edison office — approximately 10 minutes. Address: 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. Phone: (732) 898-3950.
Frequently Asked Questions — Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Highland Park NJ
Where can I get minimally invasive spine surgery near Highland Park, NJ?
Dr. Alok Sharan performs minimally invasive spine surgery at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 10 minutes from Highland Park via Route 27 or Route 1. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule — no referral required.
What is the difference between minimally invasive and open spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and real-time imaging to treat spinal conditions with far less tissue disruption than traditional open surgery. Dr. Sharan also performs MISS under regional anesthesia — eliminating general anesthesia risks entirely.
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?
Most patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or spondylolisthesis are candidates for MISS. Dr. Sharan will review your imaging and symptoms during your consultation to determine the best approach for your condition.
How long is recovery from minimally invasive spine surgery near Highland Park?
With Dr. Sharan’s awake MISS technique, most patients are discharged the same day and return to light activity within 2–4 weeks — compared to 6–12 weeks with traditional open surgery.
Do I need a referral from Highland Park to see Dr. Sharan?
No referral is needed. Highland Park patients can book directly by calling (732) 898-3950 or using our online contact form. You may also upload your MRI in advance.
Dial 732-898-3950 now to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help change your life.
Dr. Sharan also serves patients from nearby New Brunswick and North Brunswick — all a short drive from our Edison, NJ spine surgery center. Learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery in NJ.
