Devices and methods for treating spinal disorders and associated
discomfort therefrom. In one embodiment, an interspinous implant device
is configured for distracting an adjacent pair of spinous processes while
permitting relative flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions
between the vertebrae joined to the adjacent pair of spinous processes. A
method of treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom,
includes inserting an interspinous device between a pair of adjacent
spinous processes such that a superior portion of the device contacts an
inferior surface of the relatively superior spinous process of the pair,
and an inferior portion of the of the device contacts a superior surface
of the relatively inferior spinous process of the pair; and distracting
the superior and inferior portions, relative to one another, thereby
distracting the spinous processes, whereby vertebrae integral with the
spinous processes retain capability of flexion, lateral bending and side
rotation motions, relative to one another, after the distraction has been
performed.