Why Is Decompression Sickness Called The Bends? (2.8 In 10,000 Dives)
Decompression sickness, which his also known as ‘the bends‘, is so called because the afflicted individuals characteristically bent forward at the hips due to the joint pain it caused. Decompression sickness (DCS) or the bends is a potentially deadly condition. It’s caused by bubbles of nitrogen gas forming in the blood and tissues, which is usually as a result of a fast ascent from a dive or from missed decompression stops.