Boro manager Gordon Strachan recalled Brad Jones in goal after a lengthy absence, while Boro were seeking to record a double to boost their fading hopes of a play-off place.
Reading, on the other hand, were hoping to extend a magnificent run of eight wins from their last nine league games.
There were tremendous gaps in the stands and a subdued atmosphere in the early stages.
Chris Killen headed just wide for Middlesbrough from a left-wing cross by Emanuel Pogatetz, before Julio Arca was booked for a foul just outside the penalty area.
Jones made a brilliant one-handed save from a Shane Long header following a Jobi McAnuff cross as the Royals responded.
Reading soon made it plain that they were out for a win and not to play a defensive game and rely on counter-attacks.
They began to step up the pressure, while at the other end Barry Robson tested Adam Federici with a shot from outside the penalty area.
Reading were the more impressive side as the interval approached and Middlesbrough could not complain at being on level terms.
Boro snatched the lead 75 seconds after the restart when Killen scored with a looping header into a corner of the net following a right-wing cross by Justin Hoyte.
The goal livened up the home crowd and at this stage it was to be hoped there would be more thrills to enthuse over.
Jimmy Kebe was proving a handful for the home defence and it was surprising that Strachan did not opt to double mark the player on his menacing runs down the right.
Kebe was involved in the equalising goal after 63 minutes, though it was a fortunate own goal by Middlesbrough defender David Wheeter.
Kebe got the better of Pogatetz and he cut in from the byline to cross the ball into a crowded goalmouth. Wheater could not get out of the way and the ball struck him on the way into the net.
Both teams introduced substitutes in the search for a winning goal but without success and a draw did little for either sides' prospects.