What is commonly referred to as "the bends"?

The term "the bends" specifically refers to decompression sickness, which occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths where pressures are higher. During this ascent, dissolved gases, especially nitrogen, that were absorbed in the body’s tissues and blood under high pressure, form bubbles as the pressure decreases. This condition can lead to debilitating symptoms, including joint pain, which is where the association with "bubbles in joints" comes from.

While nitrogen bubbles can indeed form in joints, the broader context of "the bends" encompasses the entire syndrome of decompression sickness, which involves various body systems and can result in joint pain, among other symptoms. The focus on nitrogen bubbles suggests a partial understanding of the process, specifically regarding the physiological effects on the joints, rather than addressing the complete nature of decompression sickness as it occurs in various tissues and can have systemic implications.