Mid back pain occurs anywhere from the base of the neck to the bottom of your rib cage. The most common cause for pain and tension in this area is strain from injury, daily poor posture, slouching watching TV, reading working on a computer. Women often complain of mid back tension where the bra constricts the lower rib cage for 12 + hours a day. Mid- back pain can be associated with rib pain the rib cage connects and supports this part of the spine. Rib pain can present as a sharp stabbing pain that worsens on deep inhalation or exhalation.