Whiplash is damage caused to the soft tissues in the neck when one’s head is forcefully thrown forwards, backward, or sideways. It’s one of the most common types of injuries that results from a car accident, and economic expenses related to the condition can cost insurance companies up to thirty billion dollars a year in the United States. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms may be felt immediately or it may take twenty-four hours to a few days. They include: Headaches Neck pain and stiffness Pain or numbness in the arm and/or.