Who is the best spine surgeon in New Jersey?

Dr. Alok Sharan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon in Edison, NJ, with over 20 years of experience. He pioneered Awake Spinal Fusion, a minimally invasive technique that avoids general anesthesia.

What is awake spinal fusion?

Awake spinal fusion is a modern spine surgery technique using regional anesthesia. Patients remain conscious, avoid intubation risks, and typically go home the same day with faster recovery.

Does Dr. Sharan accept insurance?

Yes, Dr. Sharan accepts most major insurance plans. Contact the office at 732-898-3950 to verify your coverage.

New Jersey Spine Surgeon - Awake Spinal Fusion

Dr. Alok Sharan — Leading NJ Spine Surgeon

Looking for a trusted spine surgeon in New Jersey? Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 20 years of experience. As a pioneer in Awake Spinal Fusion, Dr. Sharan combines cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques with compassionate, patient-first care at his Edison, NJ practice — serving patients across New Jersey and New York.

20+

Years Experience

Why Choose Dr. Sharan?

Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with 20+ years experience

Pioneer in Awake Spinal Fusion — no general anesthesia

Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery

Same-day discharge in most cases

Featured in medical journals and national media

Serving all of New Jersey and New York

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Conditions We Treat

01Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression

02Herniated discs — bulging or ruptured discs pressing on nerves

03Degenerative disc disease — age-related disc breakdown

04Cervical spine conditions — neck pain, arm numbness, cervical disc problems

05Sciatica and pinched nerves — radiating leg pain

06Scoliosis and spinal deformity

Awake vs Traditional Surgery

Traditional Spine Surgery	Awake Spinal Fusion — Dr. Sharan
General anesthesia with intubation	Regional anesthesia — patient stays conscious
Large incision, more muscle disruption	Minimally invasive, small incision
1–3 day hospital stay	Same-day discharge
6–12 week recovery	2–4 week recovery
Higher complication and infection risk	Lower risk, less blood loss

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes awake spinal fusion different?

Awake spinal fusion uses regional anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. You remain sedated but conscious, avoiding risks of intubation and ventilators. This results in faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and same-day discharge.

How long is recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery?

Most patients return to light daily activities within 2–4 weeks. Full recovery varies by procedure but is significantly faster than traditional open surgery.

How do I know if I need spine surgery?

If conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medications haven’t relieved your pain after 6–12 weeks, surgery may be recommended. Schedule a consultation for a personalized evaluation.

What areas does Dr. Sharan serve?

Dr. Sharan serves patients from all of New Jersey including Edison, Plainfield, Westfield, Cranford, Rahway, and the greater NYC metro area. The office is located at 35-37 Progress St., Edison, NJ 08820.