Why is decompression sickness also called The Bends?

Answer 1

Decompression sickness the bends is a painful and potentially fatal malady an environment of high pressure to one of lower pressure.

You may also want to see the answer in the question "What does decompression mean in diving?"

Answer 2

DCS, was discovered in the 19th century by caisson workers - bridge, dam, boat or pier construction or repairs would have an airtight working area created (a caisson) around the foundations/work area to enable workers to work without being underwater. Workers would suddenly return to normal air pressure after leaving the compressed air atmosphere of their working area and suffer extreme pain and would be bent over with the discomfort. Hence it was known as the bends

Answer 3

The less soluble the gas, the less it will contribute to decompression sickness for the given amount that is present in the body. However, different gasses enter and leave the body at different rates, so a less soluble gas like helium (less soluble, but a faster gas) can contribute more for a given period of time underwater.