Common symptoms of whiplash can occur immediately following an accident or gradually develop over a series of days. People who have suffered whiplash often feel nothing the first day, then wake up the next morning with stiffness and soreness in the neck area. Symptoms that occur quickly after the accident often indicate severe whiplash. Common side effects of whiplash are headaches, pains in the neck caused by muscle spasms or irritated nerves, back or shoulder pain, headaches and numbness in the arm. Other symptoms could include problems with memory, dizziness, impaired hearing and vision, depression and difficulty sleeping.

Severe whiplash is usually not life threatening, and the symptoms and recovery time varies greatly from patient to patient. Whiplash can occur when the head and neck suddenly jolt forward and backward with no time for the muscles to react. Severe whiplash commonly occurs in rear-end vehicle collisions, which are the most common type of car accidents. Falling, diving or a blow to the head can also cause severe whiplash.

Hyperextension, or extension beyond the normal range of motion, in the neck can cause ligaments or neck muscles to become overstretched or torn. Severe whiplash might also include discs, spinal joints and nerve roots that are strained or damaged. Soft tissue damage and inflammation can result in compression of nerve roots and cause shooting pains. Severe whiplash cases might also include dislocations or fractures.

Most whiplash cases heal in two to 12 weeks. Severe whiplash injuries might take several more months for full recovery, though some patients might develop long-term problems. In some cases, chronic problems can last for years.

Treating whiplash can be as easy as applying packs of ice to the injury. If the whiplash is severe, physical therapy or spinal manipulation might be helpful. Anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxants and/or pain medications are often administered to relieve pain and inflammation. Soft neck braces can help relax the muscles to relieve pain, but prolonged use of a brace can delay recovery. For severe whiplash sufferers, if a fracture or dislocation has happened, a molded collar might be necessary to stabilize the neck.