For Dr. Alex Pattison, opening a chiropractic office in Brentwood wasn’t just a business move — it was a calling born from one of the most difficult times in his life.

When his mother was diagnosed with cancer during his college years, his family pursued the traditional medical route, but the experience left them emotionally drained and overwhelmed by grim prognoses. Then, something unexpected happened.

“She went to her chiropractor down the street from where we grew up and she walked back a different woman," Pattison said. "That was the first guy that talked to her about her body’s ability to heal and overcome.”

That moment stuck with him. It was the first time someone had offered his mother hope during such a difficult period, and it inspired him to dedicate his life to providing that same support to others.

For nearly 15 years, Pattison has been doing exactly that at City of Bridges Chiropractic, located in Brentwood Towne Square. The office has become more than a healthcare provider—it’s a community cornerstone. Through a holistic message of optimism and natural healing, City of Bridges has impacted thousands of lives in Brentwood and the surrounding South Hills.

“I always try to remember that no matter what an individual is going through, treat that conversation like I would want someone to have with my mother,” Pattison said.

He and his team chose Brentwood with intention and have remained committed to the community ever since. “We knew we wanted to be in the South Hills—loved Brentwood and decided this was going to be it,” he said.

Even the name of the clinic reflects both a local and anatomical connection. “Pittsburgh is the City of Bridges, but if you look at a bridge, the arcs are at 45-degree angles—nature’s perfect curve. Your spine should have three 45-degree curves, so we stuck with that theme and it’s been working for us ever since.”

City of Bridges Chiropractic has become a fixture in the neighborhood not just for its care, but for its strong community ties and service-centered philosophy. “Ideally, what we want to do is stop the pain, hurting, and suffering in the Brentwood community,” Pattison said. “Over the last 14 years, we’ve been pretty successful in doing that.”

While Pattison has been with the practice from the beginning, Dr. Alex Swauger joined the team in 2021, bringing new energy and a long-standing connection to the clinic. “While I was still in chiropractic school, I’d come home on breaks and shadow local offices. I shadowed this one and I knew this was where I wanted to work,” Swauger said.

Today, he plays an integral role in the clinic’s ongoing outreach efforts and community presence. “We’ve served thousands of people in Brentwood. We’re changing lives. Just over the weekend, I was at the Brentwood Street Fair, mingling with patients. We’re always trying to keep a pulse on the community,” he said.

He emphasizes that chiropractic care isn’t just for those in pain—it’s for anyone looking to improve their overall health. “It’s not that scary to come see a chiropractor. You can come here if you just want to feel your best. I think everybody should be seeing a chiropractor,” he said.

Beyond routine adjustments, the team at City of Bridges is committed to wellness education and outreach. Whether it’s “lunch and learns” at local businesses, community health events, or partnerships with area organizations, the goal is always the same: bring healing to where people are.

Swauger often brings his massage chair to local events, offering free sessions and using the time to connect with residents.

“It gives me a chance to talk with people about where their pain is coming from and how chiropractic can help. We’re here to show that there’s a natural way to feel better—no prescriptions needed,” he said.

As City of Bridges Chiropractic approaches its 15th anniversary this November, the mission remains unchanged: provide hands-on healing, grounded in compassion and community. 

With four kids, a dog, and a high school sweetheart by his side, Dr. Pattison says he’s simply “an overly optimistic person” hoping to make others feel seen and supported — just like that chiropractor did for his mother years ago.