A distraction system for treating the human spine including at least one guide member for guiding a generally elongated member to a location between tissue layers of the spine. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion wherein the distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and defines a shape of a desired support structure. The system also includes an elongated member slidably mounted on the guide member for advancing the elongated member distally along the guide member for insertion between the tissue layers. The elongated member substantially conforms to the shape defined by the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure that separates, supports or both separates and supports the tissue layers.
