A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity. The longitudinal connecting member assembly includes a tensioned cord and has hard, non-elastic sleeves for attachment to the bone anchors, at least one spacer located between the bone anchors, and in some embodiments, an end elastic bumper and cord blocker. A down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having inner and outer tangs and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver.
