I get what you are saying. I have used that term also. I can tell you with certainty from experience that my Cluster headaches hurt more than anything I have broke or have had medically wrong with me. For me Kidney stones, shattered Acetublum, broken vertebrae, separated shoulders, broken collarbones, torn ligaments in both ankles torn cartilage in both knees do not hold a candle to the pain of a cluster. So for me I just say that they are the most painful thing I have ever felt.