What does it mean when you have pains on both sides of your neck?

Pain on both sides of the neck can be caused by several factors that include muscle strains, whiplash and chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, according to WebMD. Certain activities such as sleeping on flat pillows or sitting in awkward positions can also contribute to neck pain.

Neck pain can also be attributed to joint damage, herniated spinal discs that lead to nerve compression, and diseases such as cancer or meningitis, according to Mayo Clinic. Treatments for neck pain include steroid injections, soft neck collars and neck exercises to improve muscle strength. In certain cases, surgery may be recommended to treat spinal cord compression.