Why does your neck feel so tight like on the front left and right side?

Generally speaking, neck aches are the result of tension in the muscles that control movement. To the sides, it is the latisimus dorsi muscle that is a very large deltoid shaped muscle that extends from mid back to up and above your ear. Many times pain you feel "Wrapping around your head" is this muscle inflamed from tension or effects from a poor diet. Massage will effect relief usually. Other times, an analgesic pain reliever like hydrocodone (Vidodin) is necessary. Persons who have suffered physical damage such as from a car wreck or military combat, will have recurring pain from damaged vertibrae that inflame the muscle. Analgesics are usually the only dependable relief.