Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in North Plainfield, NJ
If you are looking for minimally invasive spine surgery near North Plainfield, NJ, board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS performs advanced minimally invasive spine surgery at his Edison, NJ office — just 20 minutes from North Plainfield via I-287 or Route 22. North Plainfield patients have access to world-class spine care at The Spine and Performance Institute, 35-37 Progress St., Edison, NJ, without the need to travel to New York City or Philadelphia. Dr. Sharan combines minimally invasive techniques with his pioneering awake surgery approach — smaller incisions, faster recovery, and no general anesthesia.

Years Experience

Why North Plainfield Patients Choose Dr. Sharan for MISS
Just 20 minutes from North Plainfield — via I-287 or Route 22
Awake surgery — regional anesthesia, no general anesthesia
Same-day discharge — go home the same day
2–4 week recovery vs. 6–12 weeks with traditional surgery
201 five-star Google reviews — NJ’s most trusted spine surgeon
100+ peer-reviewed publications, Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Our Awake MISS Approach — What Sets Us Apart
Most spine surgeons in New Jersey perform minimally invasive spine surgery under general anesthesia. Dr. Sharan goes further — he performs MISS while the patient remains awake using regional anesthesia. This awake approach, pioneered by Dr. Sharan, delivers significant advantages for North Plainfield patients:
- Eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia — especially important for older patients or those with heart, lung, or metabolic conditions
- Real-time neurological monitoring — Dr. Sharan communicates with you during surgery to confirm nerve function
- Reduced intraoperative blood loss and post-operative nausea
- Same-day discharge in the vast majority of cases
- Recovery within 2–4 weeks — far faster than traditional open surgery
Dr. Sharan has trained surgeons nationally in this technique and has published over 100 peer-reviewed studies on regional anesthesia and enhanced recovery in spine surgery. North Plainfield patients in Somerset County have direct access to one of the most experienced awake spine surgeons in the United States, just 20 minutes away.
Conditions We Treat Near North Plainfield
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Spine Surgery
| Traditional Open Spine Surgery | Minimally Invasive Surgery — Dr. Sharan, Edison 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 — Serving North Plainfield, 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 spine fellowship at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and serves as Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery. Dr. Sharan has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine Best Doctor, and holds over 100 peer-reviewed publications focused on regional anesthesia, enhanced recovery, and minimally invasive techniques in spine surgery.
His Edison, NJ office at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, is easily accessible from North Plainfield via I-287 or Route 22 — making it a convenient choice for Somerset County patients seeking expert minimally invasive spine surgery near North Plainfield, NJ. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. You can also upload your MRI images in advance to expedite your consultation.
With over 20 years of experience and 201 five-star Google reviews, Dr. Sharan is among New Jersey’s most trusted spine surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get minimally invasive spine surgery near North Plainfield, NJ?
Dr. Alok Sharan performs minimally invasive spine surgery at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — just 20 minutes from North Plainfield via I-287 or Route 22. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule — no referral required.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat spinal conditions with less tissue disruption, less pain, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Dr. Sharan also performs MISS under regional anesthesia — no general anesthesia needed.
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 North Plainfield?
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 to see Dr. Sharan?
No referral is needed. North Plainfield area patients can book directly by calling (732) 898-3950 or using our online contact form.
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 Plainfield, Bound Brook, and Green Brook — all within easy reach of our Edison, NJ office.






