There are several synonyms for the phrase "were racked". When someone is racked with pain, they can also be described as being tormented, writhing, suffering, agonizing, or experiencing excruciating pain. The word "racked" implies a severe and uncontrollable form of pain, which can also be described as being tortured or afflicted. The phrase "were racked" can also be replaced with the word "anguished", which means to experience extreme mental or physical distress. It is also synonymous of the words "distressed", "agonized", or "tormented". The use of different synonyms can add variety to your writing and convey more precisely what you're trying to express.