Edie.. I like your name for these pesky, terrible pains.. hexenschuses.. I just called them 'grabbers' but they do feel just like you've been shot by a witch!! I'm going to remember that...
I've had my share too.. I've learned to never never lean over and pull.. like you would a stout weed.. May not hurt right then, but watch out, that old witch is hiding around the corner and will shoot you in the back in the next day or two!!