A spinal distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis, and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. The implant comprises a central body, a first arm extending from the central body, and a second arm received in a first position in the central body and movable between said first position and a second position extending from the central body so that the arms can retain the implant relative to first and second spinous processes.
