Chiropractic! I used to think they were all quacks (mostly from my first experience with an idiot). My husband has had problems with sciatica - it works!
Definately!
An alignment will help. But also ask the chiropractic if a moderate swimming regimen (hydrotherapy) might help.
In addition to Yoga stretching and chiropractors, I have found relief with moist heat treatment. I have not had the type of sciatica you described for several years, but hot baths seemed to relieve the pain and allow me to stretch. It was then a matter of time before the nerve became non-inflammatory. I never found much relief with NSAIDS.
I still occasionally get an inflamed nerve in my neck. The best solution is to sleep with a towel wrapped around your neck. It retains body heat and moisture - the key is to combine heat with moisture. Then, do some gentle Yoga stretches (buy a book or take almost any public exercise class - they start you with gentle Yoga stretches).