How can descent below altitude generally affect pain associated with "the bends"?

Descending below altitude can significantly decrease or resolve the pain associated with "the bends," also known as decompression sickness. This condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body’s tissues as a result of rapid changes in pressure, typically after a diver ascends too quickly from deep water.

When an individual descends, the pressure increases, which promotes the reabsorption of these nitrogen bubbles back into the body’s tissues and blood. This increase in pressure can help to alleviate the pain caused by the bubbles, as it reduces their size and helps them dissolve back into the bloodstream, ultimately preventing further tissue damage and discomfort.

Thus, descending to a greater pressure environment mitigates the effects of decompression sickness, making it essential for treatment. Understanding this principle is crucial for individuals involved in activities such as diving, as well as for aerospace personnel who may need to manage altitude-related physiological conditions.