Additionally, there is a complex nervous system surrounding the floating ribs. The 12th intercostal nerve communicates with the first lumbar nerve, closely travels next to the subcostal artery, travels behind the kidney, through the aponeurosis of the transversus abdominis, communicates with the iliohypogastric nerve, and gives a branch to the pyramidalis. Irritation of the lower intercostal nerves and surrounding tissues can cause neuropathic pain that may travel or radiate to other parts of the body, such as in the groin or the suprapubic area.
