About
Dr. Craig Millar is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Bulkley Valley Chiropractic in Smithers, BC. With a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Millar is committed to providing high-quality chiropractic services that prioritize natural healing and overall wellness. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to take an active role in their health journey.
Dr. Millar's practice is rooted in evidence-based chiropractic principles, with a particular interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. He also specializes in addressing headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. His experience includes treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, such as whiplash and related ICBC claims, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Millar takes pride in supporting patients managing chronic or persistent pain conditions through a multimodal approach that combines manual therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle advice.
Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, Dr. Millar is passionate about promoting family wellness and improving quality of life. His practice also focuses on office workers and those with desk jobs, addressing postural strain and related discomfort. With a holistic philosophy centered on promoting natural healing and optimal body function, Dr. Craig Millar strives to help each patient achieve their health goals in a warm and community-focused environment.
Dr. Craig Millar provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): As part of a multidisciplinary approach, chiropractic care can help manage the widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
- Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Providing supportive care for individuals with scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature), focusing on managing associated musculoskeletal pain, improving posture, addressing muscle imbalances, and enhancing functional capacity.
- Bursitis (Various Regions): Inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints), causing localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Addressing the underlying causes of elbow tendon pain through manual therapy, exercise, and activity modification advice.
- Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Chiropractic care to address mechanical nerve compression syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, aiming to relieve pressure and restore nerve function.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Relief for symptoms caused by overuse of the hands, wrists, and arms in work or daily activities.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon (the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone), often resulting from overuse or improper biomechanics.
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, focusing on reducing inflammation, stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles, and addressing foot biomechanics.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Millar can assess your needs.
- Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Manual therapy to address restrictions in the myofascial system, enhancing movement and comfort.
- Active Release Techniques (ART®): A patented, movement-based soft tissue system designed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves by breaking down scar tissue and adhesions (practitioner certification dependent).
- Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Supporting musculoskeletal health and comfort throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments and mobility exercises tailored for the aging spine and joints.
- Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Supporting healthy growth and development in children through age-appropriate chiropractic care.
- Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pregnant individuals, aimed at reducing sacral subluxation and optimizing pelvic biomechanics to support a more comfortable pregnancy and birth (practitioner certification dependent).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Millar. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
At Bulkley Valley Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Millar frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Craig understands how frustrating feeling 'jammed up' in my spine can be. By aiming for achieving better posture and feeling more upright and confident, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like horseback riding with renewed confidence.
- Imagine being able to painting or sculpting in your studio without numbness or pins and needles in my arms or legs holding you back. Dr. Craig works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Getting back to cooking and meal prepping for the week after struggling with recovering from a work-related back/neck injury is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Craig's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness and a return to a more active life.
- Experience the significant benefit of enjoying less jaw pain and more comfortable chewing if you're dealing with tmj pain and tenderness. Dr. Craig helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like working productively and comfortably at your standing desk all day through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Millar, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Located in the central Smithers neighborhood, Dr. Millar's practice at Bulkley Valley Chiropractic is conveniently situated within a modern clinic that serves the local community. The clinic is easily accessible, situated near key community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to integrate their chiropractic care into their daily routines. Public transit routes conveniently connect to the clinic, ensuring accessible transportation options for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, even if it is not legally necessary to see a chiropractor. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policy.
- Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?
- Definitely. While adjustments are a core part of chiropractic care, most chiropractors also incorporate rehabilitative exercise and stretching into their treatment plans. These are designed to support the effects of your adjustments, correct muscle imbalances, and empower you to manage your condition effectively.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care often progresses through a few general phases: 1. Initial Intensive/Relief Care: This phase focuses on reducing your immediate pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Visits may be more frequent during this stage. 2. Corrective/Rehabilitative Care: Once symptoms are under control, the focus shifts to correcting underlying joint dysfunction, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Visit frequency usually decreases. 3. Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional): Some patients choose periodic visits to maintain their improvements, prevent recurrences, and support overall spinal health and well-being. Your chiropractor will discuss what’s appropriate for your specific situation and goals.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services. Currently, eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance, may receive coverage for a limited number of visits (typically up to 10 per year) in conjunction with other supplementary benefits. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is recommended to verify your MSP eligibility and private insurance coverage for your specific situation.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- A subluxation or joint restriction is a term used to describe a joint that is 'stuck' or not moving as it should. This can cause pain, stiffness, and interfere with the nerves that pass nearby. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions through adjustments.
Bulkley Valley Chiropractic
1322 Main Street, P.O. Box 564
Smithers, BC V0J 2N0
Phone: (250) 941-2211
Dr. Craig Millar is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=11224
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.