3 days ago, I leaned over just an inch to pet the cat and BAM! I felt my lower back tighten up. I'm miserable and can't bend now.

Ouch! Long hot shower maybe to loosen the strained muscles??

Ouch! I've been there and it is not fun. Muscle relaxants were all that worked for me, and fairly quickly.

I grew up with the attitude that chiropractors were "quacks" until I had a similar experience. Just reached over to pick up a stapler and BAM! I spent a week in bed with muscle relaxers that did no good at all. Finally, a friend took me to her chiropractor. Within an hour, I was able to walk upright and pain free. Just sayin' . . . Hope you feel better soon!

Hope your'e better soon.

lay on the floor with your "butt" up against the couch and your legs resting on the couch...like sitting on it.

Will help relax your back while supporting your legs.

Not pretty but worked for me to provide some releif.

Be sure to have help getting up.

I agree that chiropractors are great- hope you find something that helps. Sounds like you're in a lot of pain :(
Are you taking anything like Advil???

OMG, I so agree. You may have thrown your back out and not have pulled a muscle. Try iceing it. If it seems to help, I would ask around about a good Chiropractor. I have gone to one for years and I thank heaven for them. Having a bad back is bad enough, suffering the pain for weeks is un-neccesary when a chiropractor can have you back up and moving in one treatment. Not to say it is a miricle cure, you may need to go several times but it is better than lying in bed for days. Most insurace will cover chiropractic care these days to.
Hope your feeling better soon. I know back pain is un-bearable.

I feel your pain... a few months ago I bent down to tie my shoe (had been feeling great) and "OUCH! ... pulled muscle in back... I became a couch potato for 2 weeks and my best friend was the heating pad, ice, and a muscle relaxant. But, it will pass. Welcome to the "golden years" (I am assuming of course).

Same thing happened to me. After suffering with it for a week and it constantly getting worse, I gave in and went to a chiropractor for the first time in my life. The next day I was able to walk without wincing. A few more sessions and my pain was completely gone. Made a believer out of me.