The present application is directed to implants and methods for dynamic stabilization and/or fusion of vertebral members. The implant includes relief cuts that provide flexibility to accommodate relative movements of the vertebral members. The number, size, and shape of the relief cuts may vary depending upon the desired flexibility. Shims are sized to fit within the relief cuts to adjust the flexibility of the implant. The shims may be placed within the relief cuts to adjust the overall flexibility of the implant. In general, the stiffness of the device increases with an increase in the number of shims. Shims may also be placed within specific relief cuts to adjust the flexibility for predetermined vertebral movement.