What typically causes decompression sickness during deep diving?

Decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends," primarily results from staying too long at depth due to the absorption of nitrogen into the body's tissues under high pressure. When a diver descends, the increased pressure causes more nitrogen from the breathing gas to dissolve in the body's fluids. If the diver ascends too quickly or spends an extended time at depth without allowing adequate time for the nitrogen to be safely expelled, nitrogen can form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream, leading to symptoms of decompression sickness.

By controlling the duration of the dive and following proper ascent rates, divers can minimize the risk of this condition. Understanding the physiological effects of pressure on nitrogen absorption is crucial when planning dives, especially at greater depths.