Hi czinger,
Welcome to the site. It is unfortuantely quite common for individuals with chronic pain to smoke more than the general public. This could be because they use the cigerettes as a coping mechanism and distraction but it actually could be making the pain worse. The sooner you can quit smoking the sooner you can start feeling better.
The gum and candy will be a good distraction early in the quit. What are some other alternative coping mechanisms you could do instead of smoking? Deep breathing, meditation, drinking ice water, talking to a friend, posting here are all options. Can you think of any others?
Be sure to work through the program as it will help you put a quit plan in place. Also, post often in the forums, we will be here to support you every step of the way.
In regards to when the nicotine will be out of your system, Duffis is right, 2-4 days but it varies depending on the individual. In some cases it can take months. So, the sooner you quit the better.
Try to think of this as a great opportunity to quit smoking. Many will tell you here that quitting was one of the best things they have ever done. What are you looking forward to about being a none smoker?
Ashley, Health Educator