Can you tell me about the best way to alleviate pain due to a bulging herniated disk that is causing sciatica nerve pain?

Sure: Assuming you don't have loss of nerve function (numbness, weakness of leg) you can start with conservative measures like pt, rest, anti-inflammatory meds, acupuncture. If those fail you may want to try an epidural steroid injection. As a last resort you can consider surgery. An uncomplicated disc protrusion can be treated with a minimally invasive outpatient microdiscectomy - go get checked out.

Stretching: Many times acute sciatic pain will resolves after stretching the area abit. The muscles will loosen up and help resolve pain. If not, then consider further imaging studies to see which exact nerve in your spine is getting pinched for further treatment options.

Time is the best : healer as the majority of disc issues improve but exercise guided by someone experienced in this area along with avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms such as bending and twisting along with prolonged positioning. Get into shape by keeping trim, avoid smoking and develop a regular exercise regimen. Use of NSAIDs can help if no contraindications as well as epidural steroid injections too.