What is a major physical sign of the Bends?

Joint pain is a major physical sign of decompression sickness, commonly referred to as the bends. This condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to a rapid decrease in pressure, typically after ascending too quickly from deep water. The dissolved gases in the blood come out of solution, leading to these gas bubbles that can cause blockages in the blood vessels and result in pain, particularly in the joints.

This pain can be quite severe and is often described as similar to the pain associated with arthritis, which is why it’s referred to as "the bends." It most commonly manifests in the large joints such as the knees and shoulders.

In contrast, while severe headaches, dry cough, and loss of vision can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not primary indicators of the bends. For instance, headaches may result from other issues such as dehydration or pressure-related problems, and a dry cough could be indicative of a respiratory issue rather than decompression sickness. Loss of vision is not a typical symptom related to the bends, further emphasizing that joint pain is the most recognized sign associated with this condition.