The device (10) includes a disc prothesis or artificial disc (12) having an upper plate (14) and a lower plate (16) . It is understood that the disc is an articulating joint, configured for disposition within an intervertebral space between adjacent berterbral bodies in a human spine, that maintains or restores motion by providing relative bending and rotational motion between the vertebral bodies. A convex-shaped projection (26) extends from the lower plate and engages an articular surface defined by a concave recess (28) formed in the upper plate. A flexible construct (30) extends vertically from the upper plate to the lower plate. The construct is sized so that it is relaxed and not undergoing tension when the disc is in its neutral position. After the upper plate pivots to a certain predermined degree, the construct is tensioned so that it begins to resist or restrict this bending.