(NC) — Leaving the job she loved was a difficult for Karen Smith, but she felt she had no choice. A public relations executive for 10 years, she was had to stop working after a surgery on her back left her in a constant state of pain. Smith was eventually diagnosed with a nerve pain condition.

Nerve pain is caused by injury or dysfunction of the nerves, spinal cord or brain. An estimated one million Canadians live with nerve pain, with symptoms described as a stabbing, burning, tingling or shock-like sensation.

“It would be easy to stay angry about all that has to change in your life when you live with chronic pain,” said Smith. “I know it can be hard to do, something I constantly struggle with, but I encourage people to stay positive and not let the feeling of loss overwhelm them.”

Smith says the first step for her was to acknowledge and accept the loss of her old life. Without acceptance, she says people living with pain won't be able to stay positive when managing their pain.

In a recent study by the Canadian Pain Coalition (CPC) about the affects of pain on the lives and attitudes of those who live with chronic pain, 98 per cent of respondents said “despite my pain, I go on with my life.” Smith is an example of this positive attitude. Despite her pain, she volunteers as a pain advocate and works to make issues related to chronic pain a priority for governments and health care professionals.

For more than 25 years Lynn Cooper, president of the CPC, has lived with nerve pain following a workplace injury. “It's wonderful to hear that so many people who experience nerve and other chronic pain shift their focus from their pain to living their best possible life by identifying new goals and expectations.”

Cooper offers these suggestions to those living with pain:

• Share your feelings. Dealing with the changes in your life can be frustrating. Support groups and patient associations are a safe place to talk about what's on your mind and learn about new resources for pain management.

• Find solutions for your sleep: During sleep your body produces hormones that may help to heal muscles and ease pain. But many people who live with nerve pain have difficulty sleeping so the pain may feel worse the next day. There are medications that can help you manage your pain in order to get the sleep you need. Work with your doctor to find ways to improve your sleep and reduce your pain.

• Improve your diet: A well-balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, will give your body the nutrients and energy you need to manage pain. Avoid stimulants like caffeine at least eight hours before you go to sleep.

• Exercise is vital: Regular exercise is an important part of managing your pain. While you must respect the limits of your body, light exercise such as warm-water therapy or walking each day, will improve energy levels and can elevate your mood.

Before undertaking any adjustments to your lifestyle, consult your doctor and pain care team to make sure it's the best option for you.

More information about the symptoms and living with nerve pain is online at www.canadianpaincoalition.ca