I had a sciatica attack that was so bad my husband took me to the ER by ambulance. So I feel your pain. Of all things they gave me Valium as a relaxant. It worked well. Still had some pain but much improved. They sent me home with a short course of another relaxant....starts with an f...and had me get the strongest over the counter lidocaine patches to use 12 hours on and 12 off. I am better now. The nerves have to calm from the inflammation. I used a heating pad also.