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 first implant member (22) having an upper surface configured to contact an inferior portion of a first spinous process; anda second implant member (24) having a lower surface configured to contact a superior portion of a second spinous process; whereinthe second implant member is movably coupled to the first implant member such that the upper surface of the first implant member is displaceable away from the lower surface of the second implant member.